Mid-90s review – Mr T’s take
Review: Set in a Los Angeles neighbourhood, this coming of age drama chronicles the life of young Stevie who lives with his single mother and abusive older brother. Every stylistic choice in the film from the baggy trousers to the oversized shirts to the Handycam, screams, well, the mid-90s. Despite that, Hill, who also wrote the script for this one, has managed to narrate a story that resonates with everyone irrespective of when they were born.
Sunny Suljic is amazing as a clueless early teenager, although Katherine Waterson, Lucas Hedges and Na-Kel Smith provide valuable support too. It’s a brilliant creative choice by Hill to film in a 4:3 aspect ratio which takes us closer to what the characters are feeling. It’s not really a film about skateboarding, it’s not even about the 90s. What it is, is a nuanced take on friendship, sibling rivalry, loss, ambition and the struggle to fit in. I can’t wait to see what Jonah Hill does next. My rating for Mid-90s is 3.5/5.
Who should watch this: Anyone who’s a fan of coming of age dramas like American Honey, Boyhood, Almost Famous, Beach Rats, Lady Bird or Call Me By Your Name.