Be Kind Rewind Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A paranoid guy accidentally turns himself into a walking magnet and erases all the VHS tapes in his friend’s failing video store, so they remake all the movies with cardboard and hope nobody notices, which somehow works.

🍿 Be Kind Rewind: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Scene: A Struggling Video Store

In Passaic, New Jersey, Elroy Fletcher runs ‘Be Kind Rewind,’ a VHS-only rental store housed in a condemned building he claims as the birthplace of Fats Waller. Facing demolition due to modernization plans and his inability to afford building repairs, Fletcher leaves his employee Mike in charge while he attends a Fats Waller celebration and explores the competition – a modern DVD rental store.

The Accidental Erasure

Mike’s eccentric friend Jerry, convinced that the nearby power plant is controlling his mind, attempts to sabotage it and becomes magnetized. Upon entering the video store, Jerry unknowingly erases all the VHS tapes, creating a major problem for Mike, especially when Miss Falewicz, a loyal customer, requests to rent ‘Ghostbusters’.

Sweding the Movies

To avoid Fletcher’s wrath and appease Miss Falewicz, Mike and Jerry decide to re-film ‘Ghostbusters’ themselves using makeshift props and costumes. Their low-budget remake, dubbed a ‘Sweded’ version (falsely claiming it’s from Sweden), becomes surprisingly popular in the community. They continue to ‘Swede’ other films, enlisting the help of local resident Alma, creating a local sensation and drawing in more customers.

Success and Legal Trouble

The ‘Sweded’ movies bring unexpected financial success to the struggling video store, even attracting Fletcher’s support upon his return. However, their newfound prosperity is short-lived when copyright infringement issues arise. The authorities confiscate all ‘Sweded’ tapes, and Fletcher loses hope of saving the store, confessing he made up the Fats Waller connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jerry (Jack Black): A paranoid and accident-prone junkyard worker whose magnetism accidentally erases all the tapes in the video store.
• Mike (Yasiin Bey): A video store clerk who helps Jerry cover up the erased tapes by creating homemade versions of the films.
• Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover): The owner of the struggling ‘Be Kind Rewind’ video store, who is obsessed with Fats Waller and faces the store’s demolition.
• Miss Falewicz (Mia Farrow): An elderly, loyal customer of the video store whose initial request for ‘Ghostbusters’ sparks the ‘sweding’ phenomenon.
• Alma (Melonie Diaz): A local dry cleaner who joins Mike and Jerry in their movie-making efforts, bringing creativity and a fresh perspective.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jerry: “I’m magnetised!” – Jerry exclaims this after accidentally getting electrocuted and discovering he has magnetic powers, leading to the erasure of the tapes.
• Mr. Fletcher: “Be kind, rewind.” – A phrase promoting the policy used by most video rental businesses.
• Miss Falewicz: “Did you erase ‘Driving Miss Daisy’?” – When Miss Falewicz discovers that the tape is erased, she asks the pair.
• Mike: “We’ve got to swede them.” – Mike introduces the idea of remaking the films as ‘Sweded’ versions to hide the fact that they were erased.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,175,164
• Worldwide Gross: $30,579,406

💥 Be Kind Rewind Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Be Kind Rewind’! The concept of ‘sweding’ movies is so creative and hilarious. It was so fun to see the low-budget versions of famous films. The story itself is heartwarming and the ending left me with a big smile. Jack Black and Mos Def have such great chemistry together. I felt nostalgic for the days of VHS tapes, even though I mostly streamed movies nowadays. This is going to be a movie I will rewatch for pure entertainment. The scene when they recreated Ghostbusters was one of my favorite moments in the movie. The special effects are so simple and funny. I also loved the whole town coming together to make their own film. It just shows you how much fun you can have with friends and family even when things seem bleak.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michel Gondry’s unique filmmaking style”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about community and creativity”
  • “Those who enjoy light-hearted comedies with a touch of sentimentality”
  • “Individuals with a nostalgic fondness for VHS tapes and classic movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Thematic elements involving copyright infringement”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Michel Gondry’s whimsy is on full display, offering a heartwarming tribute to filmmaking with Jack Black and Mos Def shining in their roles. The movie’s DIY aesthetic is infectious, making it a charming watch for those who appreciate Gondry’s unique style.
• IMDB: “A quirky comedy that succeeds due to Gondry’s creative vision. The ‘sweded’ films are hilarious, showcasing impressive ingenuity. While the script has flaws, the film’s heart and performances make it an enjoyable experience.
• Metacritic: “A lighthearted and inventive film filled with Gondry’s signature visual style. The plot is simple, but the movie’s charm lies in its celebration of creativity and community. It’s a feel-good movie that reminds us of the joy of making things together.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the creative ‘sweded’ versions of famous films and praised the humor and ingenuity of the characters.: Most audiences found the movie heart-warming, funny, and charming, celebrating the do-it-yourself spirit of filmmaking.

People were touched by the story’s theme of community and the importance of preserving local culture and creativity.: The film resonates with audiences who appreciate movies that are more about heart than special effects.

Overall Consensus: ‘Be Kind Rewind’ is a quirky, heartwarming comedy that celebrates creativity and community. While it may not appeal to everyone, its unique charm and DIY spirit make it a memorable viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Writer and director Michel Gondry ‘Sweded’ a version of this movie’s trailer, featuring only himself on-screen, in keeping with the spirit of the film.”
• “The term ‘Sweded’ used in the film to describe the remakes became popular and inspired many amateur filmmakers to create their own low-budget versions of popular movies.”

🖥️ How to Watch Be Kind Rewind?

As of October 2024, ‘Be Kind Rewind’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Unfortunately it is not available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ at this time.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Be Kind Rewind, you might like these similar films:

• Sing Street (2016): Both films celebrate the joy of low-budget creativity and community spirit through artistic expression.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Another Michel Gondry film that showcases his unique visual style and quirky storytelling.
• The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985): Shares a theme of the transformative power of movies and the magic of cinema, combined with small-town charm.
• Amelie (2001): Features a whimsical and heartwarming story about the magic of human connection and small acts of kindness.

🛒 Be Kind Rewind Related Products

• Be Kind Rewind (Blu-ray): Own the physical copy of this heartwarming film. The Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Blank VHS Tapes (5-Pack): Capture your own memories or create your own ‘sweded’ movies with these blank VHS tapes. A retro throwback to the era of ‘Be Kind Rewind’.
• Ghostbusters Movie Poster: Own a piece of film history with this classic Ghostbusters poster. Add a touch of retro flair to your home decor.
• Fats Waller: The Very Best: Listen to the timeless jazz of Fats Waller. This album features his greatest hits and captures the spirit of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Be Kind Rewind features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Ain’t Got Nobody” – performed by Jean-Michel Bernard
• “Your Feet’s Too Big” – performed by Fats Waller
• “Ghostbusters” – performed by Ray Parker Jr.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Be Kind Rewind Sweded Trailer

Ever wonder what a classic movie trailer would look like if it was recreated with a shoestring budget and a lot of heart? This hilarious spoof trailer for Be Kind Rewind shows us just that, and it’s a delightful ride from start to finish.

✨ Rate