[usr 4.5]
“Mid90s” follows Stevie, a thirteen-year-old in 90s-era LA who spends his summer navigating between his troubled home life and a group of new friends that he meets at a Motor Avenue skate shop.
“Mid90s” follows Stevie, a young teenage boy in the midst of his chaotic home life. Upon wandering around one day in the streets of LA, he comes across an older group of rebellious, free-spirited skater kids. Stevie slowly indoctrinates himself into this group and goes through a free-spirited renaissance in a ’90s LA backdrop.
I feel that most every one of us has had a phase in our teenage years where we wish we could skate. Most of us are not good and give up after only a few days or weeks. Others pick it up for life as a lifestyle. What “Mid90s” does so well is display a real world, everything feels so natural. I could relate to Stevie at the beginning of his skating journey. While I couldn’t relate to the passion for skating, I understand the idea of having a passion that is universal. We all have something we have a drive for. Or just have a love for. So I think while this is something that revolves around skating, it is universal to anyone who has a passion or hobby.
So many films try to portray youth in either a Hollywood way or an arthouse way. There are few that land in this spot of natural. This shows just kids being kids, you don’t question it, you just feel it. “Mid90s” really hits the jackpot on finding that sweet spot, it all just feels authentic. I mean you really feel everything that is said and felt. I find that to be rare, I think it is really a hats-off to director Jonah Hill and the cast for hitting their marks completely.
Obviously, with a film being called “Mid90s,” you should expect it to be in the ’90s culture. It does not disappoint. While most period piece films I feel can be distracting, here, it feels right. While I was born in ’96, I have faint memories of the culture, if you grew up or just lived in this time you will be pleasantly surprised. For it does so many cultures justice without having the need to force something down your throat. It all just happens naturally.
I’ll say it, it is easily one of the best films of the year. I will probably go see this again for I think it is worth it. I think that anyone can learn or take away something from this movie. I say don’t even waste time thinking about what you plan on seeing, just go see “Mid90s.” Jonah Hill has proved himself as an actor and he is already proving himself as a strong voice for writing and directing. I cannot wait to see what he takes on next because I know it will be handled with care and honesty.
In theaters Friday, October 26th
