In case you're not familiar with writer/director Michel Gondry's films the fact that the leads are riding a giant videotape on the poster should clue you in that this won't be your typical movie. A VHS-only video rental store is facing eviction. While the owner (Danny Glover) goes to see what makes his competition so great, employee Mike (Mos Def) is in charge of the store. His friend Jerry (Jack Black) has recently become magnetized from attacking a power plant he thought was causing his headaches. Magnetized Jerry + VHS rental store = a bunch of blank VHS tapes. So the two go about filming their own versions of the movies so people will keep frequenting the store.
Gondry's probably most widely known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - a cohesive whimsical drama. Be Kind Rewind's drama is more on the scale of a sitcom and so is it's whimsy. And the cohesiveness? It's not really there. The best part by far is watching them try to reenact the likes of Ghostbusters, Driving Miss Daisy, Rush Hour, and Robocop as well as the crazy gadgets they rig up to get certain effects.
Be Kind Rewind would have worked better as a short film. All the disconnected elements that leave the viewer wondering if they missed something in the story could be cut out and the clever idea behind the story can stay. If it can keep their attention the whole time, kids will probably like it in its current form though. They seem to be more of Jack Black's target audience lately. He is his usual crazy and incredibly intense guy who means well. Meanwhile Mos Def is amiable despite mumbling a lot and Melonie Diaz is a delight as the girl from the dry cleaners who helps them with their movies.
Rating:2/5
Recommended for: People looking for tips on how to make their own low-budget movies
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