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"Red Rocket" dir. by Sean Baker


"Red Rocket"

Where I watched it: Crave

Don't watch this movie with your parents.

I didn't know anything about this movie before watching it which I actually think makes for a great viewing experience with almost any movie but this was a seriously wild ride.

Red Rocket is about an ex-adult film star who moves back to his hometown in Texas. Everyone is weird, down and out and drug fuelled. It's actually shocking that this isn't a Harmony Korine film.

But what's even more shocking is that a great deal of the plot is concerned with Simon Rex's character Mikey Saber trying to hook up with a 17 year old high schooler named Strawberry. Simon Rex was 47 years old when this film was shot. It's bizarre in its tone as Mikey is never openly criticized for his pursuit of Strawberry, despite the obvious areas of concern and the fact that he constantly lies to her for his own personal gain.

Simon Rex gives the performance of his career... not that it's too difficult a feat given his film career being mainly slapstick parody releases like the Scary Movie franchise and a joke rap career under the alias "Dirt Nasty." But really, he's great in this... absolutely perfect for the role, even at its grossest. It is also fitting that this role mirrors Rex's personal life as his humble beginnings were also in the realm of the adult film biz.

How is this not a Harmony Korine movie?

While the colorful characters are great to just sit and observe, there are some failings with this movie. Lack of plot being a big one. I guess you could say the plot is Mikey trying to leave Texas with Strawberry to go back to California and get back into the adult film industry. But if that is the plot it's difficult to root for a guy who is essentially a pedophile.

If it's just a character study it's very intriguing for those curious about the lower levels of society in the lower levels of impoverished areas of Texas.

There is a lot of graphic sex in this. Be warned. There is a lot of Simon Rex on the screen. A lot.

There are some truly hilarious moments that had my cheeks hurting and then there are moments of genuine drama that hit all of their marks.

The incident with Lonnie on the freeway is absolute gold.

It's a hard film to rate because I don't agree with the subject matter yet I can acknowledge it's superb level of filmmaking and artistry.

8/10

Lord forgive me.

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