MID 90’s – Rated R – 1 hr. 24 mins.
DIRECTOR & WRITER: Jonah Hill
STARRING: Sunny Suljic, Lucas Hedges, Katherine Waterston, Na-kel Smith, Olan Prenatt, Gio Galicia and Ryder McLaughlin
As his directorial debut, and writer of this screenplay too…Jonah Hill takes us deep in the 90’s LA skateboard world, as we meet youngster Stevie/Sunburn (Sunny Suljic), trying to make it day-by-day, living with his abusive older brother Ian (Lucas Hedges), and his single Mom Dabney (Katherine Waterston).
As Stevie passes by a skateboard shop near his home one day, he realizes that these dudes are pretty Sick, and thinks that learning to skate might be his way to escape his dismal existence at home…
So, Stevie befriends one of the younger boarders named Ruben (Gio Galicia), who introduces him to the older boarders who run the shop, and who are aiming to become pro. Stoked at knowing these older dudes, and what they can teach him about boarding, and life too, Stevie strives to spend every waking minute in their presence, aiming to become the best boarder he can be…
I give MID 90’s a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN! Okay, you must know going in that this film is a total “DUDE FLICK” with its premise, and coming of age storyline ~ But I have to share too, that I was totally blown away by the way that Hill managed to cast some truly excellent boarders, that could also crank out some really incredible performances, under his direction. He also managed to get incredible performances from Hedges and Waterston throughout, making MID 90’s a coming of age film that will be ripping at your emotions for the entire 84 minutes you’re viewing this film. I was also delighted and intrigued by the way that Hill managed to incorporate a total 90’s LA feel with this film, without it being so “in your face” that it took away from the ambiance he was creating! MID 90’s is one of those rare films that manages to take you on an emotionally turbulent ride, that at times, you may want to get off…but at the same time, you just can’t, as you really want to make sure that you don’t miss a thing! Enough said…Just go see this film at a theater near you, but remember, its Rated R – and I also suggest that you don’t take the youngsters who love boarding, unless they are 15 or older…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 