Mickey 17: A Sci-Fi Adventure with a Touch of “Whoa!”

Okay, so I finally saw Mickey 17, and honestly? It’s a wild ride. I went in knowing basically nothing – just the names Robert Pattinson, Bong Joon-ho (of Parasite fame!), and some vague sci-fi vibes. And let me tell you, it delivered on the sci-fi, but in ways I didn’t quite expect.

The first half is pure sci-fi deliciousness. Multiple Pattinsons? Check. A cool, almost desolate-looking alien planet? Double-check. Intriguing, slightly unsettling mystery surrounding the whole “disposable clone” aspect of Mickey 17’s existence? Triple-check. Seriously, the visuals are stunning, and the premise is so original and gripping. I was hooked. Pattinson’s performance is superb; he manages to capture both the jaded weariness of a man repeatedly facing death and a certain underlying desperation in his character, all while somehow pulling off the multiple-clone aspect flawlessly. The supporting cast, with Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, Steven Yeun, and Naomi Ackie, is equally fantastic – each actor is perfectly cast in a well-defined character role that makes the film a masterpiece of ensemble acting.

Then, things get… a little weird. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say the second half takes a significant turn, venturing into some pretty heavy themes. While this shift kept me on the edge of my seat, it was a bit jarring after the initial, more action-packed and thrilling sci-fi adventure. The movie starts to lean more into the philosophical and emotional aspects of its story, which, while done well, felt like a distinct shift in tone from the beginning.

However, let’s be clear: this isn’t a complaint. Just… an observation. It’s bold, it’s thought-provoking, and it definitely keeps you thinking long after the credits roll. But it’s also where the movie went from a breezy sci-fi thriller to a more complex, introspective experience. It’s one of those movies that might need a second viewing to fully appreciate all of the layers, especially with the implications of how much of what you’ve seen is actually reality.

Speaking of unexpected turns, here’s a funny story: I went to see Mickey 17 with my friend Sarah, who’s a total sci-fi nerd. We’d planned a post-movie celebratory dinner at this new ramen place we’d been wanting to try. Well, imagine my surprise when, right as I’m explaining the plot to Sarah, my entire bowl of ramen—yes, the entire thing—spills all over me. It was like a cinematic scene of its own. We both just stared at each other for a second before bursting into laughter. Suddenly, my own messy, ramen-soaked life felt strangely parallel to the chaotic events unfolding in the movie. Seriously, that moment made the whole evening.

Another time, I tried to impress my overly analytical film critic brother by explaining Bong Joon-ho’s masterful use of symbolism in the movie. I even used the word “mise-en-scène.” I thought I was being super smart, but he ended up laughing so hard that he choked on his popcorn. Turns out, I misused the term! Lesson learned: sometimes, it’s okay to just appreciate a good movie without getting overly intellectual about it. Besides, the visuals in Mickey 17 are so captivating that you can simply enjoy them as pure visual spectacle.

Overall, Mickey 17 is a must-see for sci-fi fans. It’s a cleverly crafted and thoughtfully executed film that’s both entertaining and challenging. Just maybe bring a change of clothes if you decide to celebrate with ramen afterwards.