What Is Mid90s (2018) About?
“Mid90s” is a coming-of-age film directed by Jonah Hill, released in 2018. Set in Los Angeles during the 1990s, the movie follows the story of a 13-year-old boy named Stevie as he navigates adolescence and finds his place within a group of older skateboarders.
The film primarily focuses on Stevie’s experiences as he seeks acceptance and belonging among a group of teenage skateboarders he meets at a local skate shop. As Stevie spends more time with this group, he begins to emulate their lifestyle and behavior, which includes skating, partying, and engaging in risky behavior.
Throughout the movie, Stevie grapples with issues such as peer pressure, family dynamics, and identity formation. He forms close bonds with his newfound friends but also faces challenges and conflicts as he tries to fit in and assert his own identity.
“Mid90s” captures the atmosphere of the 1990s skateboarding subculture while also exploring universal themes of youth, friendship, and self-discovery. The film received praise for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and the nostalgic depiction of 90s skateboarding culture.
| Title | Mid90s (2018) |
|---|---|
| Director | Jonah Hill |
| Release | 2018 |
| Setting | Los Angeles, 1990s |
| Genre | Coming-of-age, Drama |
| Protagonist | Stevie, a 13-year-old boy |
| Plot | Follows Stevie’s journey as he navigates adolescence and finds his place among a group of older skateboarders in 1990s Los Angeles. |
| Themes | Adolescence, Friendship, Identity, Skateboarding |
| Reception | Praised for authentic portrayal of youth and nostalgic depiction of 90s skateboarding culture. |
What Is the Plot of the Movie?
The story revolves around Stevie, a 13-year-old boy who lives with his single mother and abusive older brother, Ian. Feeling disconnected from his family and seeking acceptance, Stevie becomes fascinated with skateboarding after encountering a group of older skateboarders at a local shop.
As Stevie spends more time with the group, led by the charismatic but troubled Ray, he immerses himself in the world of skateboarding culture. He quickly befriends the members of the crew, including the brash and rebellious Fuckshit, the loyal Ruben, and the reserved Fourth Grade. Through skateboarding sessions, parties, and teenage antics, Stevie begins to find a sense of belonging and identity within the group.
However, as Stevie delves deeper into the skateboarding subculture, he encounters various challenges and experiences that force him to confront the darker aspects of adolescence. He experiences peer pressure to engage in risky behavior, including alcohol and drug use, and faces conflicts within the group. Additionally, Stevie’s troubled home life and strained relationship with his brother Ian add layers of complexity to his journey.
Throughout the film, Stevie grapples with questions of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance. He learns valuable lessons about loyalty, trust, and the consequences of his choices. Despite the highs and lows, Stevie’s experiences ultimately lead to personal growth and maturity as he navigates the complexities of adolescence.
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Setting | Los Angeles, mid-1990s |
| Protagonist | Stevie, a 13-year-old boy seeking acceptance and belonging |
| Skate Crew | Stevie integrates into a group of older skateboarders led by Ray, befriending members like Fkst, Ruben, and Fourth Grade |
| Skateboarding Culture | The film explores the vibrant and rebellious skateboarding subculture of the mid-1990s, including its music, fashion, and attitude |
| Peer Pressure and Risky Behavior | Stevie faces peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, reflecting the challenges of adolescence and the influence of peer dynamics |
| Family Dynamics | Tensions within Stevie’s troubled home life, including his strained relationship with his abusive older brother Ian, add complexity to his coming-of-age journey |
| Personal Growth and Self-Discovery | Stevie’s experiences within the skate crew lead to personal growth and maturity as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, finding a sense of belonging and identity |
| Nostalgia | The film evokes nostalgia for the 1990s era through its music, fashion, and pop culture references, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for viewers |
| Themes | Friendship, identity, family, peer pressure, coming-of-age |
| Critical Reception | “Mid90s” received generally positive reviews, praised for its authenticity, storytelling, performances, and depiction of youth culture |
Reasons to Watch It
“Mid90s” is a deeply authentic portrayal of 1990s skateboarding culture, immersing viewers in the era’s sights, sounds, and attitudes. Through Stevie’s poignant journey of self-discovery, the film explores universal themes of adolescence with raw honesty, bolstered by strong performances and critical acclaim.
- Authenticity:
- Director Jonah Hill captures the essence of 1990s skateboarding culture with remarkable authenticity, immersing viewers in the sights, sounds, and attitudes of the era.
- Coming-of-Age Story:
- The film offers a poignant coming-of-age narrative centered around Stevie’s journey of self-discovery, making it relatable and resonant for audiences of all ages.
- Nostalgia:
- For those who grew up in the 90s, “Mid90s” serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, evoking memories of a bygone era with its music, fashion, and pop culture references.
- Raw and Honest Portrayal:
- The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the gritty realities of adolescence, including the challenges of peer pressure, family dynamics, and personal identity, making it a raw and honest depiction of youth.
- Skateboarding Culture:
- Even for those unfamiliar with skateboarding, “Mid90s” provides an intriguing glimpse into the unique subculture, showcasing the camaraderie, creativity, and rebellion associated with the sport.
- Strong Performances:
- The cast delivers standout performances, particularly Sunny Suljic as Stevie, along with compelling portrayals from the ensemble cast, adding depth and authenticity to the characters.
- Universal Themes:
- While set in a specific time and place, the film explores universal themes of friendship, belonging, and self-acceptance, making it accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
- Critical Acclaim:
- “Mid90s” received praise from critics for its authenticity, storytelling, and performances, earning accolades and nominations from various film festivals and award ceremonies.
Overall, “Mid90s” offers a compelling and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories, nostalgia, or authentic portrayals of youth culture.
Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?
“Mid90s” is a fictional story. While the film captures the essence of 1990s skateboarding culture and portrays aspects of real-life experiences, the characters and events depicted in the movie are fictional. The narrative follows a fictional protagonist named Stevie as he navigates adolescence and finds his place within a group of skateboarders in 1990s Los Angeles.
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“Mid90s” received generally positive reviews from critics, indicating that it was critically acclaimed rather than panned. The film was praised for its authenticity, storytelling, performances, and depiction of youth culture, earning accolades and nominations from various film festivals and award ceremonies. However, like any film, opinions may vary among individual critics, but overall, “Mid90s” was well-received by both critics and audiences.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Critical Reception | “Mid90s” received generally positive reviews from critics, indicating critical acclaim. |
| Praise | The film was praised for its authenticity, storytelling, performances, and depiction of youth culture. |
| Accolades | “Mid90s” earned accolades and nominations from various film festivals and award ceremonies. |
| Overall Response | While opinions may vary among individual critics, the film was well-received by both critics and audiences, contributing to its positive reception. |
| Variability | Like any film, opinions may vary among individual critics, and not all reviews may be uniformly positive, but the consensus was largely favorable for “Mid90s.” |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“Mid90s” explores the tumultuous journey of adolescence through the eyes of Stevie, a young skateboarder navigating the challenges of identity, friendship, and family dynamics in 1990s Los Angeles. The film delves into the complexities of youth culture, highlighting themes of self-discovery, peer pressure, and the search for belonging amidst the backdrop of skateboarding subculture and nostalgia for the era.
- Coming-of-Age:
- The film delves into the journey of self-discovery and growth experienced by the protagonist, Stevie, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and transitions into young adulthood.
- Friendship:
- Stevie forms deep bonds with the group of skateboarders he befriends, highlighting the importance of friendship and camaraderie during the formative years.
- Identity:
- Stevie grapples with questions of identity and self-acceptance, trying to find his place within the skateboarding subculture and society at large.
- Family Dynamics:
- The film explores the complexities of family relationships, including Stevie’s troubled home life and his interactions with his mother and older brother.
- Subculture and Rebellion:
- “Mid90s” provides insight into the world of 1990s skateboarding culture, showcasing the freedom, creativity, and rebellion associated with the sport and its participants.
- Peer Pressure and Risk-Taking:
- Stevie faces peer pressure and engages in risky behavior as he seeks acceptance and validation from his peers, highlighting the influence of peer dynamics on adolescent decision-making.
- Nostalgia:
- The film evokes feelings of nostalgia for the 1990s era, with its soundtrack, fashion, and pop culture references serving as a backdrop for Stevie’s journey.
Overall, “Mid90s” offers a nuanced exploration of adolescence, capturing the joys, struggles, and complexities of growing up during a specific time and within a particular subculture.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
Memorable moments in “Mid90s” include Stevie’s integration into the skate crew, his first encounters with alcohol and drugs, and the emotional confrontation with his older brother Ian, all capturing the rawness and complexity of adolescence amidst the backdrop of 1990s skateboarding culture. These moments contribute to the film’s exploration of friendship, identity, and coming-of-age, resonating with audiences through their authenticity and relatability.
- Stevie’s First Skateboard Tricks:
- The film opens with Stevie’s initial attempts at skateboarding, showcasing his determination to learn despite his lack of experience.
- Stevie’s Integration into the Skate Crew:
- A significant moment occurs when Stevie is fully accepted into the group of older skateboarders, marking the beginning of his journey into the skateboarding subculture.
- Stevie’s First Encounter with Alcohol and Drugs:
- Stevie experiences peer pressure to engage in risky behavior, leading to his first encounters with alcohol and drugs, which have significant consequences for his character development.
- The Skateboarding Montages:
- Throughout the film, there are numerous visually stunning montages of the characters skateboarding through the streets of Los Angeles, capturing the exhilarating freedom and camaraderie of the sport.
- Stevie’s Conflict with His Brother Ian:
- Tensions between Stevie and his older brother Ian come to a head in a particularly intense confrontation, shedding light on the dysfunctional dynamics within their family.
- The Party Scene:
- A pivotal moment occurs when Stevie attends a party with the older skateboarders, where he experiences the thrills and pitfalls of teenage rebellion, leading to both humorous and dramatic situations.
- Stevie’s Emotional Breakdown:
- Stevie experiences a moment of vulnerability and emotional catharsis, confronting his insecurities and fears about his place in the world.
- Stevie’s Reflection on Friendship and Identity:
- Towards the end of the film, Stevie reflects on the significance of his friendships and the journey of self-discovery he has embarked on, culminating in a sense of personal growth and acceptance.
These memorable moments contribute to the rich tapestry of “Mid90s,” offering poignant insights into the joys, struggles, and complexities of adolescence and youth culture.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“Mid90s” may be available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes/Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, Hulu, YouTube Movies, or potentially Netflix, although availability may vary by region and platform. It’s advisable to check each platform individually to see if “Mid90s” is currently streaming or available for digital purchase or rental.
- Amazon Prime Video:
- You may find “Mid90s” available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- iTunes/Apple TV:
- It’s possible to rent or buy the movie through the iTunes Store or Apple TV app.
- Google Play Movies & TV:
- Similar to iTunes, you can rent or purchase “Mid90s” on Google Play Movies & TV.
- Vudu:
- This platform often offers digital rentals or purchases of movies, including “Mid90s.”
- Hulu:
- While availability may vary by region, “Mid90s” could potentially be available for streaming with a Hulu subscription.
- YouTube Movies:
- You may find “Mid90s” available for digital rental or purchase on YouTube Movies.
- Netflix:
- While “Mid90s” was not available previously on Netflix, streaming catalogs frequently change, so it’s worth checking it periodically.
Before streaming, it’s recommended to check the availability and pricing on these platforms. Additionally, availability may vary by region.
