REVIEW: Be Kind Rewind
Here the filmmaker takes the audience back to the good old days where cars were often cardboard cutouts, gunshots were firecrackers going off at Christmas and exaggerated acting was the order of the day. He both pays homage as well as parodies some of the all-time hits of the last two decades, which include Driving Miss Daisy, Rush Hour 2, The Lion King, and Robocop. Gradually their fame grows so far and wide, that it irks the big-time studio owners who send a battery of lawyers and copyright experts rushing to their shop.
A celebration of life
The film works at many levels. On the face of it is the story of countless small shopkeepers struggling for survival. But at a deeper level the film explores many themes. Mr Fletcher the employer who spins a tall tale about the jazz musician Fats Waller just to keep his assistant Mike happy. Mike the simpleton who worships his employer. A loyal clientele for whom every penny is important, and they don't hesitate to ask for their refunds.
The film is about neighbourhoods where people know each other. A community, which can get involved for a cause! And on the other side of the fence we have technologically advanced DVDs no friendly corner store and the studio tycoons who are only concerned with their profits.
Why you may not like it
This film has no earth-shattering climax. It's not like Erin Brockovich where an individual takes on the system and comes out victorious. It just reminds you of the good ol' days where every video library had a sign that said: Be Kind Rewind.
Verdict: A must for all film buffs and people who are strong on nostalgia
Rating: 3/5
