Mid90s Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid finds some older, cooler friends who teach him how to fall down… a lot, but also how to get back up and look stylish doing it.

🍿 Mid90s: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Stevie

The film introduces Stevie, a 13-year-old boy in 1990s Los Angeles, struggling with a difficult home life. He endures physical abuse from his older brother and feels neglected by his single mother. He seeks an escape from his troubled reality, yearning for acceptance and belonging.

Finding Acceptance Through Skateboarding

Stevie discovers a local skate shop and is drawn to a group of older skateboarders. He begins spending his time with them, learning to skate and experiencing a sense of camaraderie that he lacks at home. The group introduces him to new experiences, including smoking, drinking, and the complexities of social dynamics.

Navigating Friendship and Identity

As Stevie immerses himself in the skateboarding scene, he faces challenges in navigating the dynamics of his new friendships. He encounters issues of class, race, and privilege, learning tough lessons about the world around him. He begins to develop his own identity, influenced by the culture and values of his skater friends.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stevie (Sunny Suljic): A thirteen-year-old boy navigating a troubled home life while seeking acceptance within a group of skateboarders in 1990s Los Angeles.
• Ian (Lucas Hedges): Stevie’s older brother, who struggles with his own internal conflicts while displaying abusive behavior towards Stevie.
• Ray (Na-kel Smith): A charismatic and insightful member of the skateboarding crew who offers guidance and wisdom to Stevie.
• Fuckshit (Olan Prenatt): A reckless and impulsive member of the skate crew, often pushing boundaries and creating chaos.
• Dabney (Katherine Waterston): Stevie’s co-dependent single mother struggling with her own personal issues while raising her two sons.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ray: “A lot of the time we feel that our lives are the worst, but I think that if you looked in anybody else’s closet, you wouldn’t trade your shit for their shit.” – Ray gives this perspective to Stevie and the group after a particularly rough patch, offering a mature outlook on their problems.
• Stevie: “I wanna feel like you guys like how you guys feel all the time.” – Stevie expresses his desire to be part of the group and experience their seemingly carefree attitude.
• Ray: “You gotta look forward, not backwards.” – Ray encourages Stevie to learn from his mistakes and move on.
• Ian: “Get your own shirt.” – Ian says this to Stevie after he steals one of Ian’s shirts, highlighting their brotherly relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.7M
• Domestic Gross: $7.36M
• Worldwide Gross: $9.3M

💥 Mid90s Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Mid90s! It felt like stepping into a time machine. The music, the clothes, the whole vibe was spot on. I remember those awkward teenage years of trying to fit in and feeling like an outsider. Sunny Suljic was amazing as Stevie, I really felt for him. The scene where they’re all just hanging out at the skate shop, those were the best. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in 1990s culture and skateboarding”
  • “Those who appreciate independent and character-driven films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug and alcohol use”
  • “Suggestive scenes”
  • “Themes of abuse and neglect”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Hill captures the raw energy of youth with authenticity. The grainy 16mm film and killer soundtrack evoke a specific time, but the themes of belonging and self-discovery are universal. It’s a poignant and funny look at growing up.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A nostalgic trip back to the 90s through the eyes of a young boy discovering himself. The film offers a genuine look at friendship and the challenges of adolescence, driven by strong performances and a killer soundtrack that perfectly embodies the era.
• Film Reviewer: “Jonah Hill’s directorial debut is a heartfelt and honest portrayal of youth. The performances feel incredibly real, and the film does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the 90s skate culture. It’s a must-see for anyone who grew up in that era.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack is an absolute banger and perfectly captures the vibe of the 90s.: Viewers praised the film’s authentic portrayal of 90s skate culture and the relatable coming-of-age story.

Sunny Suljic’s performance as Stevie is incredible and really captures the awkwardness of being a teenager.: Many viewers found the film to be a nostalgic and heartwarming experience, reminding them of their own youth.

Overall Consensus: Mid90s is a well-received coming-of-age story praised for its authenticity, soundtrack, and strong performances, particularly from Sunny Suljic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jonah Hill made his directorial debut with this film, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Los Angeles in the 1990s skate scene.”
• “The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic, nostalgic look reminiscent of the era.”
• “Many of the actors, particularly the skateboarders, were not professional actors but actual skaters, adding to the film’s realism.”
• “The soundtrack features a curated selection of 90s hip-hop, punk, and alternative music, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and reflecting the characters’ tastes.”
• “The movie uses a 4:3 aspect ratio to replicate the look of older televisions and camcorders from the 90s.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mid90s?

Mid90s is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Showtime, and Fubo. You can rent or purchase the movie on demand through services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mid90s, you might like these similar films:

• Kids (1995): Both films explore the lives of teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence, focusing on themes of rebellion, sexuality, and drug use in an urban setting. While ‘Mid90s’ offers a more nostalgic and less graphic portrayal, ‘Kids’ provides a raw and unflinching look at similar themes.
• Thirteen (2003): Similar to ‘Mid90s’, ‘Thirteen’ depicts a young girl’s descent into a world of drugs, sex, and rebellion as she tries to fit in with a new group of friends, exploring the darker side of adolescence and the search for identity.
• Lords of Dogtown (2005): Another movie set in California with skateboarding culture at its core. While more focused on the historical rise of skateboarding as a sport, it shares themes of friendship, competition, and the pursuit of dreams within the skateboarding community.
• Waves (2019): Modern coming of age story which takes place amidst a backdrop of teenage culture. Similar to ‘Mid90s’, ‘Waves’ touches on drug use, relationships, and family issues while examining complex and emotional themes that resonate with viewers.

🛒 Mid90s Related Products

• Mid90s [Original Soundtrack]: Own the complete nostalgic soundtrack featuring hits from the 90s. Includes tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Nirvana, and more. Relive the film’s iconic moments through its music.
• Skateboard Starter Kit: Get your own skateboard and start skating. This kit includes all protective gear, board, and replacement wheels.
• Street Fighter II: Champion Edition [SNES Cartridge]: Relive the golden age of gaming with the classic Street Fighter II on the SNES. The game featured in the movie for nostalgia.
• Mid90s Movie Poster: Decorate your room with the iconic Mid90s movie poster. Printed on high-quality paper for a vintage look.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mid90s features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Summer Madness” – performed by Kool & The Gang
• “Electric Relaxation” – performed by A Tribe Called Quest
• “Waterfalls” – performed by TLC
• “Kiss from a Rose” – performed by Seal
• “Where Is My Mind?” – performed by Pixies

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Mid90s’ Cast – First Try Fridays… LIVE!

Ever wonder if the ‘Mid90s’ cast can actually skate? Check out Sunny Suljic, Olan Prenatt, and Ryder McLaughlin trying tricks at The Berrics! It’s super fun to see them outside of the movie.

Did you know this about Mid90s (2018)?

Wanna impress your friends with some ‘Mid90s’ knowledge? This quick video drops some cool trivia that I definitely didn’t know before. It makes you appreciate the movie even more!

Quickie: Mid90s

Interested in a concise take on ‘Mid90s’? This video review is short, sweet, and gives you a solid idea of what to expect from the film. It’s definitely worth a watch before diving in!

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