Red Rocket” features Mikey Davis (professionally known as Mikey Saber), a down-on-his-luck adult film star finds his way back home down South to start life anew, to patch things up with a toxic ex wife and mother-in-law, and to try and find a new job. However, he soon learns that jobs are hard to come by in his very conservative town; this is especially true when the only job on his resume is working in the porn industry.
However, every cloud has its silver lining; and soon enough, Mikey finds comfort in new friends. This include his next door neighbor Lonnie (Ethan Darbone) and Strawberry (Suzanna Son), a cheerful redhead who works at the donut shop and whom Mikey sees as his ticket to fame, mainly due to her youth and virility.
Simon Rex, and His Affinity for Boyish Charm
Mr. Saber is definitely no role model in any way, shape or form; but Simon Rex (George in the “Scary Movie” franchise) is a genius at playing goofball, deadbeat characters with boyish charm. He makes you briefly forgive their questionable morals, and he effortlessly imparts a rather likable quality to the otherwise immature Mikey. Mikey is a hard character to root for; he basically takes pleasure in reliving his past glories, playing the blame game rather than taking any sort of responsibility for his personal misfortunes. As a result, he repeats past mistakes rather than reflecting on the same.
“Red Rocket” is definitely a perfect comeback vehicle for Rex, who fits the bill as this mess of a man. Rex’s co-stars aren’t far behind either; Bree Elrod and Brenda Deiss as the toxic duo of Lexi and Lil turn in sincere performances as well. The trio of Rex, Elrod, and Deiss play off each other’s comic delivery rather well. The film’s other players perform well also. These include Suzanna Son as the young Strawberry, who unbeknownst to her is being lured and groomed by the older Mikey, Ethan Darbone as Lonnie, and Brittany Rodriguez as the intimidating drug dealer, June. Suzanna Son also showcases her captivating capabilities as a singer and musician with her rendition of *NYSNC hit ballad “Bye Bye Bye”—a song featured prominently throughout the movie—with its hook being cleverly incorporated into the dialogue.
Simon Rex and Suzanna Son in “Red Rocket.” Photo: A24.
Some Meandering, but Overall a Fun Picture to Watch
While the story does have moments where it meanders, the film has its strengths. The performances and the comedic improvisation between actors never lets “Red Rocket” to be a bore, and lends a sense of authenticity to proceedings. Chaotic moments, and Mikey’s interactions with his family and locals provide the most interesting and hilarious scenes in the movie. It features a handful of dark and serious moments; we see this especially towards the climax and a dark and unexpected twist ending—but other than that “Red Rocket” is a hoot to sit through.
If you enjoy breezy indies with a heavy helping of debauchery on the side, you should enjoy “Red Rocket.” It has chaotic characters galore who all have grey shades to them, and entertains. Additionally, it’s also fun to watch Rex pull off the most memorable and unhinged victory dance in movie history. If these thoughts appeal to you, then “Red Rocket” will definitely tickle your fancy.
“Red Rocket” is currently only available to watch in theaters.
