Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Rewind Spins Out of Control

Jack Black comedy too experimental for its own good, critics say

By Marcia Greenwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2008 8:13 AM CST

(Newser) – The Jack Black comedy Be Kind Rewind isn't predictable, but at times it's not coherent either, critics say. The film—about a guy who inadvertently erases a video store's VHS inventory, then, using a camcorder, re-creates popular movies for the store to rent—"never stops experimenting, even when the experimentation works against the movie's best interests," writes James Berardinelli of ReelViews.com.

There's also the issue of DVD having long ago supplanted VHS. "Moving back the time frame 15 or 20 years would have removed a big credibility issue," says Todd McCarthy of Variety. Peter Canavese of Groucho Reviews, meanwhile, writes that while the comedy may not be for everyone, "those who let go and take the ride will enjoy a humbly charming, genuine celebration of the creative spirit."

In this image released by New Line Cinema, Melonie Diaz stars as Alma, left, Jack Black stars as Jerry and Mos Def stars as Mike, right, in the New Line Cinema film Be Kind Rewind. (AP Photo/New Line Cinema, Abbot Genser)
In this image released by New Line Cinema, Melonie Diaz stars as "Alma", left, Jack Black stars as "Jerry" and Mos Def stars as "Mike", right, in the New Line Cinema film "Be Kind Rewind". (AP Photo/New...   (Associated Press)
Actor Jack Black poses on the press line at the premiere of the feature film Be Kind Rewind in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Actor Jack Black poses on the press line at the premiere of the feature film "Be Kind Rewind" in Park City, Utah, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
"Be Kind Rewind" trailer   (nothingwithoutChrist (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

MacGruber a Mixed Bag

Put Down Old Dogs

Curb Star in Woody's Latest ... Eh, Whatever

Year One Offers Unevolved Laughs

Efron's Charm Helps Unoriginal 17 Again


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne