Mid90s

L.A. in the 90s: Quiet Stevie (Sunny Suljic) is 13 and has to deal with more than just the usual teenage problems. Especially under his aggressive brother (Lucas Hedges) the boy has to suffer again and again. So he escapes again and again into the world of videogames and music. But then he observes the boys of a local skate shop and discovers a new passion: hanging out with the cool guys, skating with them on forbidden places and going to parties - this gives his life a whole new meaning. Through his new friends, he manages to free himself from the stifling grip of his single mother (Katherine Waterston) and stand up to his brother's attacks. But he soon must realize that all that glitters is not gold in this brave new world either.

Mid90s is the directorial debut of actor Jonah Hill. Hill uses the film to make a declaration of love to the Los Angeles he himself grew up in during the 90s. To make it as authentic as possible, the nostalgic journey back in time was shot on 16mm and accompanied by a fitting soundtrack. And the professional skaters Na-Kel Smith and Olan Prenatt make sure that the skater scene is also believably portrayed. It's evident in every second of the film that it's an absolute passion project, with Jonah Hill revealing a lot about himself as director and writer.

For viewers who also grew up in similar circumstances during this time, there are an incredible number of reference points here. But is this worth watching for other viewers? No question, the execution is charming, the actors are very good and the mix between comedy and drama works very well for long stretches. However, some scenes, if you as a viewer can't relate to them, seem very trivial. The conversations of the teenagers always revolve around the same topics, delivered in a language that may be authentic, but which also gets a bit annoying in the long run.

Mid90s is ambitious, likeable, very funny in places, then moving again. But the film also has a few lengths, despite its short running time, as well as some somewhat exhausting moments. All in all, not a masterpiece, but especially for children of the 90s a time travel worth seeing, which is not marked by transfigured nostalgia. Worth seeing!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp