“Mid90s” is a coming-of-age comedy-drama, directed by Jonah Hill. This is his first feature-length film after being known for his comedic performances in films like “Superbad,” “21 Jump Street,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” I had reservations about his involvement in a more serious project. “Mid90s, released in 2018, follows the life of 13-year-old Stevie, played by the talented Sunny Suljic, who discovers meaning in life through the art of skateboarding. The film examines the harsh reality the impoverished LA youth are forced to face. Hill does an outstanding job of telling the truth without sugar-coating the unfortunate situations in which these characters find themselves. The acting portrays Stevie and his older group of friends with a sense of realism, leaving the audience feeling they actually know them.
Shot on 16mm in a 4-3 ratio, “Mid90s” gave me a sense of nostalgia for the ‘90s that I didn’t know I had. Born in 1999, I grew up during an era where the online world was becoming a reality. Cinematographer, Christopher Blauvelt led the film in a direction where I felt as if I were back in that time period. The highly stylized punk attitude, combined with a grainy over texture created a reality that left me with a desire to pick up a skateboard and ride in the park.
While the film does a good job portraying the time period, there are not too many shots that caught my attention. The only scene worth remembering is when Stevie and Ray are skating alone down a busy highway. The picture of Stevie finally feeling being accepted while rolling alongside his new friend depicts a sense of brotherhood and pure joy that the viewer can comprehend. Unfortunately, this scene is the only time in the film where I felt emotionally effected by the cinematography. For the majority of the movie, the shots are very basic, which I see is a nod to the film’s nostalgic style.
Having grown up in a middle-class neighborhood in New Jersey, I cannot say I have experienced many of the things that Stevie and his friends were exposed to while growing up. But, as a University Student in San Diego, I can say with confidence that the ‘skater punk’ culture is still very much alive. Set in Palms, Los Angeles, “Mid90s” is an accurate portrayal of how a group of outcasts just want to belong.
I believe the location of this film is very important, since it conveys how not everyone on the West coast lives the life of the wealthy. Skating is all these kids have, because the City of Angels offers nothing to those who don’t have wealth. Even though Jonah Hill himself grew up in a wealthy neighborhood, I think he understands what many impoverished American children face while living in a city. “Mid90s” perfectly represents the West Coast skating lifestyle that is still so prominent in today’s world.
“Mid90s” takes place in 1996, where 13-year-old Stevie lives with his older brother and mother. The combination of abuse by his older brother, Ian, and his constant loneliness, Stevie spends his days looking for a way to escape. One day, Stevie happens to ride his bike past a skate shop. As he rides by, he watches a group of boys hanging out with each other. Wanting to finally find a group of friends and belong to a group, Stevie obtains a cheap skateboard from his brother, and heads to the same shop the next day. The film follows Stevie, or Sunburn as his new friends call him, as he adopts their rebellious behavior, attempting to please his new companions. While he finally feels free and accepted, Stevie is exposed to a world that is not meant for a child. He is introduced to drugs and alcohol, and even experiences his first sexual encounter.
While the film does a great job of developing the characters of Stevie and his friends, it lacks real direction. The film gives a short glimpse into Stevie’s life. This may be viewed as a positive thing; but, it also leaves the audience with many questions. The approach to the story as a whole is up to the individual. However, it is unsettling to watch a movie in which you become invested, just to leave the theater needing more information to understand the entire story.
I don’t think I would classify “Mid90s” as a comedy movie. While the film does have some moments that made me chuckle, in no way was I laughing out loud in the theater. Olan Prenatt deserves special praise for playing the role of “Fuckshit” (that’s the character’s name), perfectly. His reckless behavior and comedic timing offered some of the best jokes in this film. While the comedy does not seem to exist, I am happy to say the complete opposite for the dialogue. I can think of multiple times throughout the film that I was almost brought to tears. The chemistry between Sunny and Lucas Hedges (who played the role of Ian, Stevie’s brother) was outstanding. The raw emotion brought to the film is easily one of the best parts about “Mid90s.” Additionally, Na-kel Smith, who plays Ray, the leader of the group, demonstrates poise and a sense of maturity, almost acting like Stevie’s father figure. I would recommend “Mid90s” just for the dialogue, since it perfectly sets up character development and growth in the story.
Through dialogue, the audience gets an interesting look at the development of the characters. This film is just a short segment of Stevie’s life; and yet, the viewer learns a great deal about this group of five kids. Hill directs this film in such a way that the audience is able to understand who these characters are, and how they grow in such a short time. Discussing the character development more would give away spoilers!.. But let it be known that the development in this film is amazing!
The soundtrack of “Mid90s” is a perfect blend of nostalgic ‘90s hip-hop and punk-rock, including Nirvana, Warren G, Nate Dogg, 2Pac, and many more. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Atticus Ross are leading the soundtrack, with the film featuring an original score by the pair. The music in “Mid90s” portrays the time period perfectly, and allows the audience to slowly drift back in time, while listening to some of the most influential musicians of the 1990s.
Overall, while there are some critiques to the film, I would definitely recommend this film to the average viewer. This is not some sappy film that is purely made for nostalgic purposes, but rather it is a passion project into which Jonah Hill clearly poured his soul. After watching many interviews and behind the scenes footage, I can say with confidence that this film was made from the heart.
