Mickey 17 is "Thought Provoking, Quirky"

Following his Oscar-winning triumph with 'Parasite,' Bong Joon Ho returns with 'Mickey 17,' a science-fiction exploration of cloning, colonization, and the human psyche. I very much liked Parasite so I was looking forward to whatever Bong Joon Ho would do next. This anticipated film starring Robert Pattinson, ventures into the vastness of space, where a group of humans, fleeing a dying Earth, seek to establish a new home.

Pattinson plays Mickey, a 'disposable' crew member tasked with undertaking dangerous missions. When Mickey dies-and he does, repeatedly-he's regenerated, each iteration a new 'Mickey.' The narrative kicks into high gear when Mickey 17 unexpectedly survives a perilous ordeal, leading to a confrontation with Mickey 18. These two clones are different versions of the same person. One is more aggressive and vengeful while the other is much more easy going. This comes up in cloning stories a lot. Some of the scenes where both Mickeys are involved leads to some hilarious moments.

The film delves into familiar sci-fi themes: the expendability of individuals, the perils of extraterrestrial exploration, and the dangers of blind obedience to charismatic leaders. Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette deliver compelling performances as the cult-like leaders of the colonization mission, their characters obsessed with maintaining a pristine image. Some of this is very silly.

However, 'Mickey 17' feels somewhat tonally disjointed. The scenes focused on Mickey's experiences are brilliantly executed, blending humor and tension with Bong's signature visual flair. Conversely, the subplot involving the cult leaders feels like a separate, less cohesive narrative, creating a noticeable tonal imbalance. The two storylines makes it feel like these are two different movies. I'm not entirely certain what the director is trying to say with the other plot.

Despite this inconsistency, 'Mickey 17' is undeniably entertaining. Robert Pattinson delivers a tour-de-force performance, seamlessly transitioning between the various iterations of Mickey. The film's blend of thought-provoking themes and quirky humor makes it a unique entry in the sci-fi genre.

I enjoyed this movie, It was good fun. It was different. Three out of five stars.