Y2K Movie Review: A Nostalgic Trip or a Comedy Misfire?
Y2k Review 2024
Introduction
The new comedy Y2K has hit theaters, but is it a
"Y2Yay" or a "Y2Nay"? Directed by Kyle Mooney and
distributed by A24, the film aims to blend millennial nostalgia with sci-fi
chaos. However, does it truly deliver laughs and entertainment, or does it fall
flat? Let’s break it down.
Y2k Trailer
Director and Writers
Kyle Mooney makes his feature directorial debut with Y2K,
co-writing the screenplay alongside Evan Winter. Mooney, known for Brigsby
Bear (2017) and his time on SNL, attempts to capture the
turn-of-the-millennium nostalgia in this new teen comedy.
Plot Summary
Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, the film follows high
school juniors Eli (Jaden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison) as they crash a
popular party in hopes of Eli securing a kiss with his dream girl, Laura
(Rachel Zegler). However, the night takes a chaotic turn when the infamous Y2K
bug triggers a machine takeover, forcing the teens to fight for survival.
Kyle Mooney also plays a supporting role as a stoner
video store clerk, while a well-known late '90s rock band frontman makes a
cameo appearance.
Nostalgia Factor
For elder millennials, Y2K aims to be a
nostalgic time capsule. The film incorporates pop culture references, fashion,
and music from the era, including a scene where characters sing along to Thong
Song—although it only gained popularity in 2000, a minor anachronism that
can be forgiven. While the film tries to evoke nostalgia, the execution falls
short in key areas.
Does Y2K Deliver on Comedy?
Unfortunately, Y2K struggles to land its comedic
beats. While Mooney has proven comedic chops from SNL and Brigsby
Bear, much of the humor here feels predictable or forced. The film attempts
to balance stoner comedy with horror-comedy elements, but the jokes often feel
too niche, even for those who lived through the era.
Timing and Rhythm Issues
Comedy thrives on timing, and this is where Y2K
falters. Many visual gags and horror-comedy moments lack the necessary pacing
to hit effectively. The film’s editing sometimes feels clunky, which may stem
from a lack of sufficient coverage during filming.
Direction and Cinematography
As a first-time director, Mooney’s inexperience shows.
Some sequences are cut awkwardly, and certain shots fail to fully capture the
comedic potential. The film’s cinematographer, Bill Pope—known for his work on Spider-Man
2 & 3, The Matrix trilogy, and Clueless—brings a strong
visual foundation, but even his expertise can’t fully compensate for the film’s
directorial missteps.
Cast and Performances
The cast does a solid job with their roles, with
standout performances from Jaden Martell, Julian Dennison, and Rachel Zegler.
Alicia Silverstone’s return to a '90s setting as Martell’s mother adds a nice
touch of nostalgia, but even she can’t elevate the film beyond its
shortcomings.
A24’s Involvement: A Quality Concern?
A24, known for its indie hits, has been branching into
more mainstream releases, and Y2K seems to be part of that push. With
Jonah Hill attached as a producer, it’s possible that his involvement
influenced A24’s decision to distribute. However, while A24 has released a mix
of offbeat and high-quality films, Y2K feels like an outlier that
doesn’t quite live up to the brand’s reputation.
Final Verdict
While Y2K has an intriguing premise and a nostalgic hook, it ultimately fails to bring fresh humor or originality to the teen comedy genre. With underwhelming comedy, awkward pacing, and forgettable execution, this film may struggle to find a lasting audience.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re deeply nostalgic for Y2K-era culture and
don’t mind a mixed bag of humor, you might find some moments enjoyable.
However, for general audiences, Y2K is likely to be a forgettable
experience.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Are you planning to watch Y2K in theaters? Share
your thoughts in the comments below!
Summery
Y2K,
directed by Kyle Mooney and distributed by A24, attempts to mix millennial
nostalgia with sci-fi chaos but struggles with comedy and pacing. Set on New
Year’s Eve 1999, it follows two teens navigating a wild party turned
apocalyptic due to the Y2K bug. While the film includes '90s references and a
solid cast, including Jaden Martell and Rachel Zegler, its humor feels forced,
and Mooney’s directorial inexperience shows. Despite A24’s backing, Y2K
fails to stand out, offering little fresh humor or originality. Nostalgic
viewers may enjoy it, but for most, it’s a forgettable experience.
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