mid90s

Mid90s is Jonah Hill's attempt to transport us back to an era defined by skate culture and adolescence. With a nostalgic lens, it explores the struggles of a young boy in Los Angeles, but does it truly capture the essence of the time?

A Boy in Skate Culture

Mid90s follows 13-year-old Stevie, played by Sunny Suljic, as he attempts to escape his troubled home life by immersing himself in the vibrant skate culture of Los Angeles. He befriends a group of local skaters at a shop, each dealing with their own issues of self-identity and belonging. The film deftly captures the highs and lows of youth through a lens of camaraderie, skateboarding tricks, and the stark realities of growing up in a dysfunctional family. However, while the premise is engaging, it sometimes feels more like a series of vignettes than a cohesive narrative, leaving viewers longing for more depth in the character arcs.

Performances with Mixed Impact

Sunny Suljic delivers a relatable performance as Stevie, effectively conveying the mix of innocence and turmoil that defines his character. Supporting roles from Na-kel Smith as the charismatic Ray and Lucas Hedges as the more introspective Ian add layers to the ensemble, though some characters, like Olan Prenatt's Fuckshit, feel underdeveloped and largely serve as comic relief. Katherine Waterston as Stevie's mother presents a nuanced portrayal of a struggling parent, but the script often sidelines her character in favor of the boys' misadventures. This uneven focus can detract from the film's emotional impact, leaving some pivotal moments feeling rushed.

Nostalgic Style, Uneven Pacing

Jonah Hill's directorial debut displays a keen eye for the aesthetics of the 90s, from the wardrobe to the music choices. The grainy cinematography captures the rawness of skate culture, enhancing the nostalgic feel. However, the pacing sometimes falters, with certain scenes dragging longer than necessary while others rush through key emotional beats. Additionally, while the skateboarding sequences are well-choreographed, they occasionally overshadow character development, leaving viewers craving more storytelling in between the tricks. Hill's vision is commendable, yet it could have benefitted from a tighter structural approach.

Nostalgia with Bumps

Watching Mid90s is like flipping through an old photo album—there are moments that evoke warmth and nostalgia, but also stretches that feel flat or unengaging. The film tackles themes of friendship and belonging, but the emotional weight isn't evenly distributed, as some scenes miss the mark on delivering genuine impact. At times, the dialogue comes off as forced, which can pull you out of the moment. The exploration of Stevie's home life is heartfelt, but the film could have leaned harder into those moments instead of glossing over them for skater antics. It's a mixed bag of highs and lulls.