Bong Joon-Ho Is Finally Back With the ‘Mickey 17’ Trailer

Bong Joon-ho’s films, from “Memories of Murder” to “The Host,” “Snowpiercer,” and “Parasite,” have consistently featured an eerie blend of body horror, social commentary on wealth disparities, sudden bursts of intense violence, and black humor that borders on the absurd. This unique style was evident in his films released between these titles, culminating in the critically acclaimed “Parasite” which hit theaters in 2019.

Five years down the line, Bong has released his sequel film, and it appears to align seamlessly with his previous works. In this movie, titled “Mickey 17”, both Robert Pattinson and Robert Pattison are featured in a sci-fi spoof that envisions a desolate future. Here, the only means of social advancement seems to be by consenting to become an “expendable” – essentially, a human sacrifice doomed to die, then resurrected as a clone, only to perish again in the pursuit of humanity’s space colonization endeavors.

The new trailer looks really bleak and really funny and really Bong Joon-ho. Watch it below:

As a passionate admirer, I must say that the recent teaser for Mickey 17 surpasses the initial one in every way. The social satire appears more incisive, the visual effects seem sharper, the humor appears funnier, and Robert Pattinson seems to be relishing his role as the twin characters. This film doesn’t appear to be a production that should be shuffled around its release date multiple times by its distributor. Originally slated for March 2024, it was then rescheduled for January 2025, then April 2025, and now it’s back to March 2025.

Here is Mickey 17’s official synopsis:

In the creative hands of the Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, who brought us “Parasite,” comes his next innovative cinematic journey titled “Mickey 17.” The unconventional protagonist, Mickey Barnes (portrayed by Robert Pattinson), finds himself in an extraordinary predicament: working for an employer with an extreme demand – a commitment to the job that requires him to sacrifice life itself.

Mickey 17 is now scheduled to open in theaters on March 7.

Good Movies That Won Razzie Awards

1. The Addams Family (1991)

In 1991, MC Hammer’s popularity had reached an all-time high, which might explain why he won the Worst Original Song award at that year’s Razzies for “Addams Groove.” As a kid, I found this rap about the beloved Addams family to be quite enjoyable, and revisiting it now, I must admit that I still appreciate it. Interestingly enough, Barry Sonnenfeld’s critically acclaimed film, The Addams Family, seems somewhat out of place receiving a Razzie Award. However, the sequel, Addams Family Values, also won the same award for “Addams Family (Whoomp!)” – a decision that, while perhaps debatable, may have been justified to some extent.

2. Beverly Hills Cop II

The Razzie Awards, known for frequently targeting actors or films that receive numerous nominations, regardless of merit, have honored Eddie Murphy with five wins and multiple additional nominations throughout his career. One such instance was the “Worst Original Song” award given to “Beverly Hills Cop II” for the song “I Want Your Sex,” a popular track by George Michael. Ironically, this film’s soundtrack was successful despite the Razzies’ criticism, as another song from the same movie, “Shakedown” by Bob Segar, was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It’s possible that some disgruntled individual may have played a prank on Razzie voters, causing them to hold a grudge.

3. The Blair Witch Project

Razzie Award for Worst Actress went to The Blair Witch Project’s Heather Donahue”

Content: Did you know that one of the most groundbreaking horror films ever made, The Blair Witch Project, was nominated for two Razzies, including Worst Picture? And guess what, it won a Razzie for Worst Actress! That’s right, Heather Donahue took home the award.

To be fair, The Blair Witch Project was quite controversial back in its day, and Heather Donahue’s emotional apology scene to her friends’ parents made her the face of this cultural phenomenon. Imagine if they had selfies back then; The Blair Witch Project’s most iconic shot wouldn’t have happened.

Still, even if you didn’t like The Blair Witch Project, it’s hard to argue that Heather Donahue gave a bad performance, let alone the worst of the year. (Her competition in 1999 included Melanie Griffith for Crazy in Alabama, Milla Jovovich for The Messenger, Sharon Stone for Gloria, and Catherine Zeta-Jones for Entrapment and The Haunting.) Some viewers were convinced that the movie was a real documentary because of her and her co-stars’ convincing performances.

4. Freddy Got Fingered

I wholeheartedly stand by the Razzies’ decision to award “Freddy Got Fingered” as the Worst Picture, along with the titles for Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, Worst Actor, and Worst Screen Couple. To put it simply, this film was not everyone’s cup of tea when eccentric Canadian comedian Tom Green translated his cult MTV series into a big movie deal at Fox. As Roger Ebert famously said, “This movie doesn’t scrape the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn’t the bottom of the barrel. This movie isn’t below the bottom of the barrel. This movie doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence with barrels.”

To me, “Freddy” is an accurate representation of Green’s unique brand of comedy, a grand prank on Hollywood and any audience brave enough to watch something called “Freddy Got Fingered”. While it might not have been successful as a straightforward Hollywood gross-out comedy, I believe it succeeds brilliantly as a work intentionally meant to provoke audiences. In that sense, it could be considered a hidden masterpiece.

5. Heaven’s Gate

Razzie Award Winner for Worst Director: Michael Cimino

Following the success of his Oscar-winning Vietnam War film “The Deer Hunter,” Michael Cimino embarked on an even more grandiose project – a sweeping Western based on the true events of the Johnson County War. Cimino’s penchant for perfection is now legendary; when a street set didn’t meet his expectations (with the two sides being too close), it is said that he had the entire set demolished and rebuilt, despite the fact that a simple adjustment or compromise could have been made for much less cost. (Or, as an alternative, he could have just made do with what was available.)

The infamous reputation of “Heaven’s Gate” as a financially extravagant production preceded it to theaters. Upon its premiere, opening-night critics savaged Cimino’s director’s cut, and after a disastrous first week, United Artists withdrew the film for re-editing. By the time the Razzies held their annual vote, “Heaven’s Gate” was already notorious as a box office bomb – an obvious target for mockery. It received five nominations, including Worst Picture, and Cimino himself won Worst Director, which is absurd. Labeling him Least Fiscally Responsible Director might be more accurate, but Worst Director? I’d have to disagree. Over time, newer generations of critics have come to appreciate a beautiful Western filled with striking visuals and powerful performances by Kris Kristofferson and Christopher Walken.

6. Ishtar

Razzies Awarded: Worst Director

In the tumultuous 1980s, a film not named “Heaven’s Gate” stood out as one of the most infamous flops. This humble spoof of Crosby-Hope Road pictures was burdened by unrealistic expectations due to its troubled and costly production. The clash between director Elaine May, producer/star Warren Beatty, and star Dustin Hoffman was constant.

Given these circumstances, it was almost a foregone conclusion that the film would receive Razzies (Ridiculous Golden Globes). It might have won even more awards if it hadn’t premiered in theaters the same year as the truly dreadful “Leonard Part 6” starring Bill Cosby, which beat it in the Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay categories. Despite this, Elaine May still received a Razzie for Worst Director, an absurd situation that could almost have been the plot of one of Elaine May’s movies.

7. The Lone Ranger

Disney’s “The Lone Ranger” Wins Worst Remake, Rip-off, or Sequel at the Razzies

Although Disney’s The Lone Ranger wasn’t technically a remake, rip-off, or sequel (it was a film adaptation of a classic radio and TV character), it didn’t stop people from taking jabs at this notorious box office flop. With production costs estimated to be over $200 million, Disney invested in a forgotten Western tale and cast Johnny Depp as a Native American spiritualist.

Before the Razzies, discussions about the film’s exorbitant budget dominated, overshadowing the fact that director Gore Verbinski had created a summer blockbuster serving as a warning against unchecked capitalism. The massive train featured in the movie symbolized both the central plot device and a metaphor for how big business and technology ruthlessly overrun anything in their path.

The film was also nominated in various categories, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Actor for Johnny Depp. However, it only managed to win in the category it barely qualified for – Worst Remake, Rip-off, or Sequel. Fittingly so.

8. Mamma Mia!

Razzie Awarded: Worst Supporting Actor in Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!, a movie adaption of the popular Broadway musical with Abba’s classic tunes, was a massive hit and even had a sequel. Surprisingly, Pierce Brosnan, one of the original cast members, won the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor.

The reason for his win was that Brosnan isn’t exactly a professional singer, and the role required vocal performances. At the actual Razzie Awards ceremony, they joked about him being an actor who shouldn’t sing, didn’t sing well, and arguably didn’t even sing at all in this role he probably shouldn’t have accepted.

Personally, I find his singing attempts endearing, and his overall enthusiasm for the project captivating. However, at the Razzies, as in Abba’s music, the winner takes it all, and Brosnan took home the prize.

9. Rocky IV

Razzie Awards: Sylvester Stallone’s Unwanted Recurring Role

Remember my earlier mention of the Razzies having favorite targets they persistently nominate, regardless of the quality of their latest work? Well, no one has been more frequently nominated by the Razzies than Sylvester Stallone in the 1980s.

Admittedly, there were instances when Stallone and his work deserved the Razzie nod (like “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” a three-time Golden Raspberry Award winner). However, I’m not entirely convinced that Sly was as deserving during the year he directed, wrote, and starred in both “Rambo: First Blood Part II” and “Rocky IV.” Although they aren’t his finest cinematic accomplishments, these films are well-loved crowd-pleasers and iconic pieces of 1980s culture. The Razzies loathed Stallone so much that “Rocky IV” received five Razzie Awards. Moreover, it lost two other categories to “Rambo: First Blood Part II,” including Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay – which means James Cameron now has a Razzie Award (what a shame!).

10. Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith

In a turn of events, Hayden Christensen was awarded the Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor in the film “Attack of the Clones,” which many critics consider to be inferior to his work in “Revenge of the Sith.” Despite the fact that I wouldn’t have given him an Oscar for either performance, “Sith” is generally considered a superior film compared to “Clones,” and it’s often regarded as the best of the three Star Wars prequels. However, by this point in the Star Wars saga, the prequels had become a common target for criticism, making them irresistible targets for the Razzie Awards. Consequently, Christensen received his second Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor, having previously won one for “Episode II” as well.

2025-01-22 22:54