Read Positive User Reviews for Red Rocket

10

AceZachRocksDec 12, 2021

A masterful film, about a manipulative but likeable **** leading to his eventual downfall and rise. It shows not only a funny and well paced beautiful looking film but shows us sort of the opposite of what occured to Howard Ratner in UncutA masterful film, about a manipulative but likeable **** leading to his eventual downfall and rise. It shows not only a funny and well paced beautiful looking film but shows us sort of the opposite of what occured to Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems while he had bad luck lots of times it seems to be on Mikey's side. I love the supporting cast a lot as well. Simon Should be Oscar Nominated and so should this screenplay and cinematography it's a gorgeous Simon Rex film but the buzz is no where near where Florida project was so this won't make it to award shows sadly but damn is it one of my new favorites. Thank You Sean and Simon. 10/10. These other reviewers just didn't get it trust me. If this trailer interested you I think you will love it.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

JLuis_001Dec 14, 2021

Of the 4 films I've seen from Sean Baker so far, I think this one is the weakest.
I could hardly call it a drawback, but after The Florida Project I was quite interested to see what he would do next.
The story of Red Rock has no artifice inOf the 4 films I've seen from Sean Baker so far, I think this one is the weakest.
I could hardly call it a drawback, but after The Florida Project I was quite interested to see what he would do next.

The story of Red Rock has no artifice in itself, let alone an unnecessary need for ambition. That's what I like about Baker's films. His style is gritty and perceptive. It's gritty and raw, and even as hilarious and implausible as this story is, it's still surprisingly focused.

You'd wonder how someone with Simon Rex's credits would end up starring in something like this, but the guy knows what he's doing because Baker was clearly looking for that.
He needed an actor like him who basically isn't doing anything different from what he's done before, but his comedy timing is perfect for the character.
He's a questionable **** especially because of his relationship with that very young girl, but he's a funny ****.

By the third act, the plot no longer really moves forward, but it doesn't collapse in on itself.
Having said that, it comes naturally to its conclusion, even if it doesn't really seem decisive, because after all, the journey was entertaining.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

9

DonStroganovFeb 11, 2022

Sexually appealing F*ing Masterwork!! This is what I expect relationships to be and so far life has been exactly this. Every relationship has it's lesson and thus the reason why this movie and relationships themselves are only for the strong.Sexually appealing F*ing Masterwork!! This is what I expect relationships to be and so far life has been exactly this. Every relationship has it's lesson and thus the reason why this movie and relationships themselves are only for the strong. Also the nuances of the characters in this movie are insane, it's so f*ing realistic. I recognize so much in myself, other people, for gods sake, the dog even. (poor neigbour guy)

My god some of these reviews almost stopped me from watching this, glad I did anyway. Sorry to say this people but disliking this is just because yer a **** boomer or you just didn't have the patience to catch the subtleties. This movie is definitely my second favorite movie now. After "Under the silver lake", good movie to watch after this one believe me. They both have that (im not sure if ill survive watching this movie till the end but im still gonna) factor!

btw this movie a 7.5 and the florida project a 9.2, is such nonsense, depends on what you like I guess. This movie rocks!!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

8

TVJerryDec 30, 2021

Director Sean Baker’s previous films are Tangerine and The Florida Project (my review), both of which have a gritty, guerilla feel and unique casts (many of whom are not actors). He continues his love of working (or in this case non-working)Director Sean Baker’s previous films are Tangerine and The Florida Project (my review), both of which have a gritty, guerilla feel and unique casts (many of whom are not actors). He continues his love of working (or in this case non-working) class people in low-rent situations. Simon Rex stars as an over-the-hill porn star who returns to his small hometown in Texas, where he tries to reconnect with the people he left behind. There are lots of loose, coarse interactions with a variety of sketchy types, but it’s Rex’s film. His manic character is both charming and dreadful (his roller coaster revelation is especially poignant). Newcomer Suzanna Son, as the sweet redhead Strawberry, is resplendent on the screen. While the pacing never drags, the film could have used some tightening, but the cavalcade of gritty characters, dominated by Rex’s portrayal, are what make the film worth watching. FYI, the title is slang for a dog’s erection, which is NOT explained in the movie, so I'll leave it to your imagination.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

bertobellamyApr 24, 2022

As I was watching 'Red Rocket', I couldn't stop thinking about 'Zola', which I just happen to watch during the same week. Although both are dark comedies, their styles are completely different. But, at their core, the two of them explore howAs I was watching 'Red Rocket', I couldn't stop thinking about 'Zola', which I just happen to watch during the same week. Although both are dark comedies, their styles are completely different. But, at their core, the two of them explore how sex work becomes a way to "pursue a dream" in the deep USA; to ascend to the top and leave everything behind. These portraits of social decadence — and I could also add 'American Honey' — show the transformative power of money, either for good or bad, but mostly for bad. 'Red Rocket,' of course, is the greatest example: a predatory douchebag hungry for more traps an all-American girl and incepts her "THE dream." But what I loved about this film is how Mikey, the charismatic but sinister main character, just stays the same as when we meet him first: alone and without anything. With no money in his pocket, the dream is no more. He may have fooled some people, but life has finally fooled him for good.

If you want to see something as good as this, check out the Mexican film "Ok, Está Bien...," which portrays a very similar character but in a different context.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

jamessApr 3, 2022

While watching Red Rocket I got the same feeling I did while watching Joe Carnahan' s Copshop. Whereas that film felt like a loving nod to Don Siegel/Walter Hill/ John Carpenter of the seventies, this film felt like Sean Baker's loving nod toWhile watching Red Rocket I got the same feeling I did while watching Joe Carnahan' s Copshop. Whereas that film felt like a loving nod to Don Siegel/Walter Hill/ John Carpenter of the seventies, this film felt like Sean Baker's loving nod to Hal Ashby and films like Fat City, focusing on people living on the fringe of society, with gorgeous widescreen cinematography that reminded me of the work of Michael Cimino (The Deer Hunter). Holding it all together is a mesmerising performance by Simon Rex, a motormouth ex porn star returning home to armpit Texas. Back in the seventies he could have easily been played by Jack Nicholson, the charming con man whose sleaze is covered by a smile and a plan. His creepy AF relationship with a seventeen year old is cringe worthy, but both are using each other in their own way. And speaking of the seventies, much like Shampoo, which portrayed the sexual exploits of a hair dresser, this takes place during the Republican convention of 2016, with a few choice audio drops from the former president. From one con man to another?… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

Voodoo123Mar 15, 2022

Remarkably well textured drama/comedy with an excellent cast of mostly unknowns delivering memorable performances. Simon rex is super as the lead and i was often taken aback by the sharp dialogue and its delivery. The pacing direction andRemarkably well textured drama/comedy with an excellent cast of mostly unknowns delivering memorable performances. Simon rex is super as the lead and i was often taken aback by the sharp dialogue and its delivery. The pacing direction and editing were excellent.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

Brent_MarchantFeb 5, 2022

While the tawdry salaciousness of writer-director Sean Baker's latest may readily offend the sensibilities of many viewers, it nevertheless serves up a refreshingly original premise with wickedly biting humor and a loathsome protagonist whoWhile the tawdry salaciousness of writer-director Sean Baker's latest may readily offend the sensibilities of many viewers, it nevertheless serves up a refreshingly original premise with wickedly biting humor and a loathsome protagonist who asks for trouble at every turn. This tale of a down-and-out porno star/con man who escapes his chaotic existence in L.A. to regroup in his humble hometown of Texas City paints a scathing portrait of shameless hustler no one wants to help but who is willing to do anything to survive and (he hopes) to get back to the life he's accustomed to. The result is a series of edgy, hilarious encounters with ghosts from his past, as well as some new players in his life, most of whom unapologetically bring new meaning to the words "self-serving" and "repulsive," qualities they possess that are often on par with the object of their sanctimonious ridicule. But the picture's ample, well-earned laughs make up for whatever might come across as patently disgusting, especially in instances when chickens come home to roost. Reminiscent of the filmmaker's previous works "Tangerine" (2015) and "The Florida Project" (2017), "Red Rocket" presents us with a gritty, uncensored look at the American underbelly, but with more sustained humor this time out, despite a handful of serious moments included for good measure. The film is admittedly a little long, meandering and episodic at times, but those faults are made up for by a captivating, engaging narrative and the fine performances of Simon Rex, Suzanna Son, and the rest of the picture's ensemble cast, many of whom are not professional actors. This offering clearly won't appeal to everyone, and sensitive viewers should probably stay away. But, for those who appreciate originality and inventiveness with a blatantly twisted sense of humor and a clear (though not heavy-handed) cautionary tale message, this "rocket" may just send you into orbit.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

9

RMckayMar 6, 2022

Another exceptional delivery by the master realist Sean Baker. Highly enjoyable as usual, due to Baker's brilliant techniques of realism, which is always employed whether it be Tangerine, Florida Project etc... Using non-actors filming thingsAnother exceptional delivery by the master realist Sean Baker. Highly enjoyable as usual, due to Baker's brilliant techniques of realism, which is always employed whether it be Tangerine, Florida Project etc... Using non-actors filming things in real places and not sets. It all makes for very candid watching, which makes the story all the more relatable and charming. Baker nails this one! I feel it is his best yet. This film is so easy to love. Baker is the 21st century John Cassavetes on digital. The truest of realism, sometimes so awkward it's cringeworthy... but such is life, at times.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

10

LumumbaJun 21, 2023

Great performance from Simon Rex but Suzanna Son steals the show. And a star is born! Definitely worth checking out. Simon Rex is the ultimate anti-hero. You despise him but you keep rooting for him nevertheless.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

Mak234Mar 19, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great film and definitely worth watching twice. The relationship between a seventeen-year-old girl and an aged adult film actor is a focal point of the story and puts the morals and ethics of the main protagonist in question. However, the movie never tells us how to feel about it, conversely, it lets us decide and judge every situation on our own. Mainly because of the absence of a standard soundtrack that would evoke a mood and point out his true motivations. It also evokes questions on the political situations in 2016.

The director Sean Baker does a phenomenal job by playing with contrasts present in the quite bright and positively saturated donut shop and Bree's and Simons's house that predominates with washed and muddy colors. The contrast is also present in prosperous industrial landscapes and impoverished characters who sell their bodies and drugs for a little bit of cash. And lastly, with "Bye Bye Bye" song that doesn't belong to the present day and serves as a Simons's memory of "good old days".

The end leaves us to question not only Simon's character and his values but also his cognitive state. It raises the questions of what is real and what can be seen as his hallucinations. Was it all a pipe dream from the beginning?… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

9

gomesXJan 11, 2022

Phenomenal

Simon Rex was a force to be reckoned with. There wasn't a single time I got bored with the guy. The dialogue along with her incredible charisma propelled the pace of this film to become emotional and a little filled with anxiety.Phenomenal

Simon Rex was a force to be reckoned with. There wasn't a single time I got bored with the guy. The dialogue along with her incredible charisma propelled the pace of this film to become emotional and a little filled with anxiety. What's more, he's made what is already a great script more investing.

The cinematography was again out of this world. A poor neighborhood in Texas seemed like a dream world.

Again, Sean Baker used the bizarre colors, eye-catching shapes and isolated locations of the houses to suggest a fantastical and ambiguous interpretation of the story. I think for this part, Red Rocket had a slight advantage over Florida Project because the ending in Red Rocket was smoother and made more sense.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews