C'MON C'MON

The episodic structure causes C'mon C'mon to meander from time to time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant throwback to the kind of films Peter Bogdanovich used to make.

Mike Mills doesn't go for the big emotions or shrewdly manipulated heart-tugging drama in C'mon C'mon but that doesn't stop the movie from gradually creeping up on you until you are surprisingly moved by the growing bond between an uncle and his nephew going on a road trip to conduct interviews with kids about how they see the future.

Shot in stunning black-and-white the picture owes a big debt to the poignant movies the late Peter Bogdanovich shot in the early seventies, striking the right balance between nostalgia and precociousness while touching upon themes like memory, responsibility and the ebb and flow of relationships.

The episodic structure does cause C'mon C'mon to meander from time to time though outstanding performances by Joaquin Phoenix and young talent Woody Norman always keep you engaged.

The deliberate pace won't be to everyone's liking, but as a proud uncle myself I found many scenes so relatable and the overall positive message about today's youth so utterly charming that I heartily recommend the film to everyone.

release: 2021

director: Mike Mills

starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffman, Woody Norman, Scoot McNairy