OK for kids 12+
Quirky Jack Black comedy is sweet and silly.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the stars of this comedy -- Jack Black and Mos Def -- are both extremely popular with teens and even tweens. Happily, the movie is age-appropriate for both groups (particularly teens). There's some language (including "s--t"), but not as much as in most PG-13 films, and virtually no sexual activity, save for a few "on camera" kisses while the characters re-shoot movies. There's also one discussion about "getting action." The main product tie-ins are West Coast Video and the re-filmed movies themselves.
- Families can talk about what the film is saying about Hollywood movies. Can a redone, amateurish 20-minute version of a movie be just as good as -- or better than -- the original? Or is the point that, in re-shooting the films with other movie fans, everyone becomes part of the films and the community? Kids: Does a movie have to be believable to be good?
What to watch for
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Violence: In one scene, Jerry is magnetized by a power plant, but it's not disturbing, just funny. Mr. Fletcher roughly holds onto a punky teen while admonishing him. Pretend violence in the re-shot films.
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Sex: Shots of kissing during scenes from various re-filmed movies. In one conversation about "how much action" the main characters get, Mr. Fletcher makes a somewhat crude joke.
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Language: Language includes "s--t," "damn," and "dammit."
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Consumerism: Recognizable brands/names include West Coast Video and the many, many movies the guys re-shoot: Ghostbusters, RoboCop, Rush Hour 2, etc. Throughout the film, the life of jazz legend Fats Waller is an ongoing theme.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Be Kind, Rewind by wendifriesen
I had low expectations. But this movie totally blew me away. The entire audience was laughing out loud and at the end many of them were clapping. One of the major reviews says it lacked credibility. Hahaha, well it certainly is not a movie that was made to be plausible or credible. It was a creative, unique and totally bizarre premise that should not have worked, but it did. Crazy as it sounds this movie has a huge heart and soul, is silly fun, uplifting and nutty.
And then I find an entirely new form of entertainment, which will be a legend in our time... Sweded movies.
I am still laughing. "I'd like Driving Miss Daisy Sweded please". Toooo Funny.
Wendi.com
4
Sweded... by Daydream
Be Kind Rewind is a movie full of fun. Mos Def is put in charge of a VHS rental store and is warned to keep Jerry (Jack Black) out because he wrecks everything he touches. Jerry is almost positive that the powerplant is sending out microwaves that control his brain and after a failed attempt to sabotage the powerplant, Jerry becomes magnetized. He then erases all the VHS tapes and they desperately try to make home movies of all the blockbuster hits. Their skits are hilarious and Jack Black steals the show as his typical energetic and silly self. Overall 3.5 out of 5 stars.
1
so boring by PhoneGuy407
This was the worst Jack Black movie ever.
5
HILARIOUS!!!! by justinluedeke
Movie was packed! Every show was SOLD OUT and I know why - this movie is absolutely hilarious! A MUST SEE! Jack Black in one of his best roles. If you only see one comedy this year, this has got to be the one!!!!!!!
5
A trip to Michel Gondry's lovely world by KaleeFlower
Despite Jack Black, which made me hesitant to be too excited about this movie, "Be Kind Rewind" was, to put it simply, amazing.
Out entire theatre could not stop laughing at the wonderful side splitting comedy, and Michel surprised us over and over again with visual and conceptually delightful trickster jokes.
The story is simple, and I see many people wanted more, not seeing or letting themselves be taken away in a story that in its evident simplicity was a very complex story. It was a hilarious and beautiful film. Go see it!
Note: I think people who don't understand a film will usually not say it is bad, for fear of appearing stupid that they don't get it. One genius of "Be Kind" is also its flaw, it makes it look too easy which gives people the brazen idea that it is the movie that is stupid when they can't understand it.
4
"Be Kind, Rewind" I s Sweet, Funny and Unbelievable by StanTheMovieMan
While the film is good natured, the premise is somewhat ridiculous and the notion of people actually enjoying the homemade movies is completely outside the realm of possibility. Despite that, I really enjoyed the movie and think it would be a great date movie. Its humor is sweet-natured and Jack Black, while annoying at times, keeps his strangeness mostly in check.
5
Excellent by meishatlohmann
This movie is funny at the same time that it gives keen social commentary on the movie industry, urban renewal/gentrification, and race. It takes noticeable joy in the magic that can be created by the medium of film and shows the viewer how insightful that magic can be.
3
SO-SO says it all by Arbert63B
The type of movie you might watch at the dollar theater or the drive-in. Funny at times, hard to swallow story line. Jack Black would be the only reason to like this movie. If you do not like Jack Black you will hate this movie don?t bother.
5
Be Kind Rewind by deznutz
Mos Def, Jack Black, and Michel Gondry, all 3 are artistic geniuses.
This was one of those movies so simple in its creativity that I wish I had made it first.
Go see it.
1
JUST NOT FUNNY!!!! by beachday
I have never walked out of a movie in my life but thought this was such a waste of time I could not stand to sit through the entire thing. The acting (except for Jack Black) was stilted - including Danny Glover who should know better. The dialog was just not funny. The movie was just not funny. This looked and felt more like a student film maker's movie than a wide release film. It was like someone had an idea for a few jokes and created a full length feature around them. The ravings about the Ghostbusters scenes were grossly overrated. That may have been the highlight of the movie which is sadder still. Some of the reviews I read were actually quite complimentary - definately not for everyone I guess. What I would recommend seeing instead of this would be .....oh yeah, anything else!