RED ROCKET - Movie Review

[@nicklauspangilinan]

After the florida project he’s easily one of the most important directors alive for me

[@LiloFunk68]

I didn't think Strawberry was any sort of temptress. It's Mikey who is the user, the seducer, the corrupter, the vampire. He needs her, both for his planned revival and to keep up his self-image.

[@supersakurafan1]

@@azure5644 Ah, she's a kid with a crush and he's not ugly in any way. That doesn't mean temptress lmao. Mikey was just a creep

[@slc2466]

Simon Rex is a force of nature as Mikey, shamelessly seeking success by any means necessary while talking a mile-a-minute and barreling his way past any adversity, or trying to at least. I just discovered your channel after it showed up on my KZbin home page, and have discovered you also show an imposing character in a much more admirable fashion, turning out a ton of A-1, insightful content. As a long-time classic movie buff, I look forward to browsing through a lot more of your videos (I think I've already watched about 15 of them) to hear your take on a host of movies and movie-related themes. Awesome job!

[@looney1023]

Great review! I'm surprised you didn't talk about the TEXAS of it all (though it's such a huge state and perhaps you've never ventured quite down to Texas City). Sean Baker's films have such an incredible sense of place.

[@Sx-xy2zi]

Deepfocus You always are immaculately and stylishly dressed for every review. I really appreciate that Not just about what's said but the aesthetics of you by the book shelf talking directly to the camera it's pleasant. Feels like two people talking about a film they loved over a long lunch or dinner. Add to that the confident thoughtful voice focus and enthusiasm and precision with the words you choose to convey your experience. Feels cosy and welcoming. Just wanted to say I really appreciate the way you do that. :) Hope that outlining or mentioning that doesn't sound weird. 🙈🙂 Not wanting anything, just something I noticed over several reviews and liked :)

[@Rohmerfan45]

I live in Dickinson which is right by Texas City and Galveston where they shot. My friend’s house is even right by the water where they shot the scenes near Strawberry’s house. Lotta weirdos hang out around that part of town. Movie felt really felt true to the area I gotta say!

[@thomasbarchen]

Grew up in beautiful Pasadena and have been to Texas City, Dickinson and many of the other towns in the region. Moved out of the US a good quarter of a century ago and watched this movie last night and think wow that area of Texas has an artistic element to it, it is so ugly it's beautiful.

[@jakecorenthose2901]

Some of my favorite characters in the Golden Age of Hollywood are con man protagonists. Richard Widmark in Night & the City, Tony Curtis in Sweet Smell of Success, Tyrone Power in Nightmare Alley etc. Mikey represents the kind of moral ambiguity we associate with old school film noir, but without the noir backdrop. Mikey is charismatic, but sleazy. Manipulative, but vulnerable. A walking, talking, contradiction. Sean Baker is completely unconcerned with his characters being "likable" & that's one of his biggest strengths as a storyteller.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

He also kind of reminds me of Sinatra in the Man with the Golden Arm.

[@axelnavarrete3947]

I laughed,i cringed, it frustrated me, i felt bad for simon rex's character but at the same time i despised his character. Indeed the last scene was great. This film is incredible. Not the oscars even matter but how amazing would it had been for this film thats not your normal type of Hollywood movie to have been nominated. Anyways this film incredible.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

What's ironic is that this film looks down its nose at the underclass but when you think about it there are men from any class background that are thoughtlessly driven by the same base impulses; sex and status. There are hustlers like this good-for-nothing shifty shyster in every corporate suite, but they are just camouflaged better.

[@JorgeTorres-tl7vo]

I’ve always liked Simon Rex since Scary Movie 3, but believe it or not I always knew he had this depth to him as an actor when I saw him in a Funny Or Die Sketch. He had such a vulgar, rudeness to him that was so different from what I had seen, I couldnt shake this feeling that he definitely had range. Glad to see I was right 12 years later. Great review as always. You finally inspired me to grab my phone and just start talking, thanks for that as well.

[@Geekofriendly]

Ever since "Jack & Jill" I've found Simon Rex very charismatic and have always been astonished why he hadn't reached much bigger success due to both talent and looks. Nice to hear I wasn't the only one :-) ... Well, hopefully we'll be seeing more of his work in the coming years. Thanks for a great review Maggie, you made me want to rewatch the movie and add the additional layers of observation you sprikled onto us.

[@looney1023]

I feel like no one quite knew what to do with him. He was a great presenter/tv personality and his persona fit nicely in the Scary Movie world (just a fact, not a dig). Not sure how or why Sean Baker thought of him but it's pretty much perfect casting. Use his incredible likeability as a trap for the audience to root for

[@rrensaa]

Just found your channel and wanted to say you are so fantastic at putting into words all the emotions I feel about this film and especially Simon Rex’s performance! Awesome review!

[@Jackson-lo7nw]

This just came out the other day here in Ireland and I’m planning on seeing it soon! Love Sean Baker

[@danielcastillo4537]

I just saw it and was not sure what to think about it initially. Thereafter as I unpacked my experience maybe I understood it even less. There is so many levels to it. It's a character study of a louse, a parasite. There is social commentary. Exploitation is occurring throughout the film at all levels from his in-law, wife, neighbor, drug dealer and donut shop owner etc. To say that Mikey Saber is the main narrative of the whirlwind that occurs throughout the film is not to see how each of them in their way contribute to the toxicity of that town. The Trump signs are allusions that political entities throughout the generations have come through that town made empty promises and left it for dead. I love the camera shots as they move from soulless industrial funnels to abandoned businesses which show a hopelessness that has been internalized. There are no options and the lure of taking you out of that situation even as an adult movie entertainer is enticing. We see escapism throughout the film to dull existences by smoking bud or going to a ratty strip joint. All of them have some hustle on as they probably have been hustled their whole lives. And anytime Mikey opens his mouth it spews a poison and leaves chaos. I am from Texas and everything is spot on from the Big Red sodas, Valeros and Luby's. And yes when you go through these small coastal towns you can sense that they're aren't many options. That's why they leave when they can to Houston or San Antonio.

[@goosebumpsemiliano9104]

I love the documentary feel of these kinds of movies and how inspired filmmakers can inspire future generations.

[@5DollarGaming]

Loved this review! A lot of the stuff you said about Italian neorelism and especially your point about Strawberry having the look of a mid-century pinup girl was very insightful for me personally.

[@filmlover1349]

Great review! Love your insights and details on your reviews! You’re so passionate about film! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@jamesrogers2382]

She is very smart. One of my favorite reviewers.

[@gxk]

Hi Maggie. I watched the film this weekend and loved it. Simon Rex was excellent. One of my favorite films is The Florida Project. I fell for Bria. Mike Saber literally had BDE. He reminded me of Pete Davidson. Seriously. A despicable character who gets by pretending to care about women he leeches off of. A lost soul.

[@cp3502]

Sean Baker should remake A Woman Under the Influence. What kind of spin would he put on the original story?

[@deepfocuslens]

the thought did cross my mind, actually.

[@AdamFishkin]

Apart from "The Florida Project", Sean Baker has remained elusive to me in terms of what he is or isn't able to do. The best reason I can offer is that I'm probably not the right audience: he digs into places that my limited worldview still can't grasp despite my attempts .... "Tangerine" in particular was a head-scratcher, it lost me in the first five minutes even though the storytelling was very clear (an element that usually seals the deal) on account of the characterization. It hit that hard-to-describe spot to make me think: "Is she just a bitch? Or is my ignorance of this culture creating a blind spot?" It does help, when all is said and done, to be in the right mood to give filmmakers a fair shot with their work. So maybe I'll try "Tangerine" again in the future. The point being: "Red Rocket" sounds similar.

[@michaelz9892]

I though Florida Project was over rated. I found the all characters annoying and unsympathetic. Defoe got a lot of attention for his role there but he has done so much more exciting work (like in The Lighthouse). As for films in that style, I thought Andrea Arnolds "American Honey" was much better.

[@freegadflyathome]

@@michaelz9892 I definitely have to be in the right movie for certain movies. I found the main characters (the two women) almost delightful. As the movie progresses I gain more and more empathy toward them. I don't agree with the other commenter here at all, but I found the mother in The Florida much more of a challenge to feel anything for. It wasn't really about her though. Anyway, I hope you do give it another try!

[@Aduder999]

I watched this film then went on a Sean Baker movie binge and every one wasa total treat. The Florida Project especially

[@psychosis4432]

I watched Starlet when I was 16 and at 27 I thought wow this guy sounds familiar and watched The Florida project and was OBSESSED then saw Starlet....I was shocked when I realized I seen it at such a young age but loved it none the less. I am shocked to see this extended on that movie and can't wait to see it.

[@mahmoudshaban9009]

What i love so much about sean baker is that he is making films that looks like a mirror to people, everyone can watch his movies and get his own perspective about the story.. the situation and the characters because he never judge his characters, but instead he is making a very flawed characters.. and put them in a very complicated situation and it's all up for you to think about the whole thing.. And in real life that's true.. tragic and so hard, the situations his characters deal with are so hard for anyone to cope with in real life.. they're not just flawed characters.. but the life they had, the lack of opportunities and choices made them who they are now.. so when we think about them.. they're not just bad people and they choose to be this way, the whole situation is miserable.. But i think this movie red rocket lacks some heart and more diversity in terms of what the our protagonist is going through in his life

[@janpuhar9614]

Great discussion. So much to dig around in this movie, there is that idea of the community being sleepy and detached, you think of 2016 and the Trump anxiety and these people could not care less about it. Or all that background detail of the factories that Rex is always skirting past, not one for hardhat labor, he is trying to lead his own twisted personal industry.

[@rozzaziobrown6515]

Red Rocket is one of the 5 best films of the last decade imo. The protagonist is a disgusting piece of garbage, but he still manages to be somewhat likable and charismatic. I was considering going to law school and when I gave up that dream and decided to be a writer this was one of the main pieces of media that gave me the courage to be a full time artist. I'll be eternally greatful to Mike Baker for giving me the courage to be what I always dreamt of being. He's the definition of a visonairy

[@cucaferreti]

Its cool how you see vibes or wabes of the italian neorralism (and actually you got a point on that), but for me i saw wabes of John Cassavetes, the cassavetes like 'FACES' or even more from him.

[@brandonthomas6602]

I watched it twice and it's an unforgettable movie, Simon Rex is incredible in it, completely keeps the movie going, excellently shot and so compelling

[@TheShaheem123]

if its unforgettable whyd you have to watch it twice? Checkmate

[@PHILBUSHMASTER]

Good review, I watched Red Rocket two nights ago and I’ve been thinking about this film, the actors, and that porn industry. I am remembering the late Dorthy Stratton and her Pimp Husband/Killer Paul Leslie Snider, and how PeterBogdanovich was involved.

[@Stinger420]

I was surprised to see Simon Rex. The last thing I remember him from was MTV's Spring Break as a VJ/Host in the mid to late '90s.

[@rae-everything]

Favorite film of last year, easily.

[@DirtyDawg]

I loved this movie!

[@tarikdingle1584]

Phenomenal review. And yes, that final image is haunting. Whatta film.

[@cinemasprite]

Fantastic review as usual, hope you can cover 'The Worst Person in the World' later down the line!

[@KylesFilms01]

Out of curiosity, where do you watch your movies? Streaming? On Blu-Ray? Both?

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

How do I make insightful and deep analysis reviews like this?

[@azure5644]

Did you wear a red dress with white dots as a reference to strawberry?

[@HorseJoint]

I now want to see Simon Rex in more movies.

[@VenjerSixx.]

I really really like your reviews, what you say and how you say it, you're just super cool

[@firewithfire848]

Watched this film for the first time last night. I was expecting to like it because I'd heard a lot of high praise for the film and Sean Baker. Plus I really admired the Florida Project. After watching it I have to say the high praise it received is a mystery to me. Midway through, the film grows dull because it centers around a guy who is dull and a terrible human being. And that never changes so for the second half of the film we just get more of what was in the first half. No character arc at all unless you want to claim Mikey's arc is him going from bad to worse and everybody else was worse off for knowing him. Mikey isn't even an interesting character. He's just petty and boring and selfish and how that main ingredient makes for a film worth watching is beyond me.

[@Haasismijnnaam]

Loved this review!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Ugh. I can't watch this movie. Creepy. I would have much rather seen a story about Lexi and her mom trying to survive in a world full of useless hustlers.

[@stable-shadow]

Ah yes, Simon Rex, cast clearly with accurate nuanced life.. sketchy at best, and shadow reality.

[@georgiareload6599]

I just watched this masterpiece. Takes a moment to digest.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

It occurs to me that this character bothered me the same way Walter White's character did. I really hate characters who lie to themselves and others despite their obvious talents.

[@clsrocks007]

Ah the classic temple hand touch! She is professor Y from the Y-women with Telekinetic powers ..just kidding! Love the reviews

[@sampatel6524]

I don't want to watch any movie I just want to watch ur video 😇

[@TheRealDarrylStrawberry]

I really couldnt believe the movie's relaxed take on an L.A loser destroying a 17 year old girls life. Almost romanticizing the idea. Maybe im just getting old but, yea, pretty gross movie. And Simon Rex's ad-libs feel very Improv-101-ish

[@gurunadhan2666]

Baby bye bye bye !!❤️❤️

[@brandonthomas6602]

do you have a chair

[@cryptochris9001]

I wonder if she likes red rockets

[@alexyospears2210]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@upfulsoul826]

I didn't like this film. The main lead is creepy. It felt more like a horror film than a comedy to me and the ending wasn't satisfying at all. The performances were good though.

[@eetuhalonen9902]

I liked it because the lead was super creepy and it felt like a horror film.

[@roccohorror7022]

If you thought the main lead was creepy, then you should’ve loved the last 15 minutes

[@sizzlesizzle2912]

Blows ur mind from scary movie to Cannes. Dirty nasty is very underrated actor. He should get an oscar.

[@dereksix2081]

🙏🙏🙏

[@VinylAthletes]

Don’t believe the hype lol. This movie is just ok. None of the characters in this movie are likable or interesting aside from Rex. And towards the end you are really disgusted by him. They are all terrible human beings , Some of the acting is subpar too and the fight scene outside the donut shop was terrible lol. Not something I would watch again.

[@Bouldah]

The thumbnail gave me a red rocket

[@DominickSpano]

This video feels like a peep show how she is dressed. I wonder if she did that on purpose to get more views.

[@sizzlesizzle2912]

Hollywood makes alot of crappy garage and isnt wait it used too be. Hollywood hasnt made anything amazing in a very longtime. Hollywood has hits head up its ass. Love ur review. You are my new fave film critic

[@sizzlesizzle2912]

Do u ever watch really bad movies that r so bad. And review them. I will through out the worst musicals ever made. The Apple. Shock treament. Roller boogie. On side not. i would luv too see a review of the 70s movie The warriors