Red Rocket (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: March 15, 2022
Rating: R
Film: 2/5
 
Plot
Mikey Saber (Simon Rex) is back home in small-town Texas after burning bridges and flaming out all over Los Angeles. A hustler, operator, and charismatic con man, Mikey quickly learns that no one wants him back. When he meets a teenager working at the local donut shop, he sees his ticket back to the big time, in this darkly funny, live-wire film from acclaimed writer-director Sean Baker (The Florida Project, Tangerine).
 
My Thoughts
I requested this one on a flier and its good reviews on RT but count me into the minority of those that enjoyed it. In fact, I felt I needed a shower when it was over. Frankly, I’ve met people similar to Mikey in my life and steer clear of them because they are nothing but trouble, just like the main character here. The film is a very depressing and while there are moments where I laughed but seeing such depressing lives shouldn’t be funny. Adding insult to injury, the film is much too long at 130 minutes, a good 30-35 minutes longer than it had any justification for being.
 
The presentation is decent enough, but it’s not something you’d use to show off your system, that’s for sure.
      
Video 4/5 (AVC)
 
 Audio 4/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
Special Features:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Sean Baker, Cinematographer Drew Daniels, and Actor Simon Rex
• Audio Commentary with Film Critic Kat Ellinger
• Making Red Rocket
• Blu-ray + Digital Copy

 
 
Conclusion
I made the mistake of watching this with my wife and she complained for the first hour and ultimately left the room. This may have spoiled my mood and ruined the overall experience for me. That being said, you can’t get away from the depressing look at Mikey’s life and the overall subject matter is hard to relate too given my personal background. The performances are quite good, most notably Brenda Deias who provides the most laughs and Suzanna Son who plays the seductive teenager. Overall I’d give it a rental first because I’m not sure if most will want to see this more than once.
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion F110 Subwoofer x 2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

Eek. I was thinking if something else when I read it’s title lol

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave. As we talked about, this one isn't for everyone but, Michelle and I didn't mind it in general.


Regards,

[AVSCraig]

Eek. I was thinking if something else when I read it’s title lol

Were you thinking about the South Park episode with Cartman and the dog? 

[bmoney]

Were you thinking about the South Park episode with Cartman and the dog?

bingo lmao

[AVSCraig]

bingo lmao

I can't unsee that ! ;D