As someone who grew up in the 2000s, I am prepared to believe it was.
Mid90s is a coming-of-age story following Stevie (Sunny Suljic), a 13 year old trying to find somewhere to fit in, in a world filled with isolation. Jonah Hill grips you from the start, using the opening sequence to stun viewers as Stevie gets flung into a wall by his older brother. With a neglectful mother as well, it’s only natural Stevie should want to find people who he can truly be himself around. He finds this at the local skate shop.
The found family aspect of this film draws you into Stevie’s world, enabling you to relate to the story even if you’ve never picked up a skateboard before. Within this new world, Stevies finds Fuckshit (Olan Prenatt), Ray (Na-Kel Smith), Ruben (Gio Galicia), and Fourth Grade (Ryder McLaughlin). These four rude yet lovable characters were chosen for these roles based on their skateboarding – not acting – ability. This decision pays off, as it makes not only the skateboarding tricks look more impressive, but also the interactions between the teenagers feel more real.
The visuals in this film feel like watching an old home movie. Nostalgia shines through, making you feel right at home in Stevie’s streets. Being the youngest of the group, Stevie feels the need to prove himself, eventually leading to a head injury that earns him the respect he craves. Ray, the eldest and most mature, takes Stevie under his wing, enabling the audience to also feel his big brother energy through the screen.
My main concern with this film, and the only reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars, was the scene between Stevie and an older teenager at a party. The actors’ real life ages (11 and mid-20s) make this scene particularly uncomfortable to watch with no real reason for it.
I would absolutely recommend this film for anyone a fan of coming-of-age, navigating the perils of life films, but be cautious.
overall rating = 4.5/5
See my 2018 rankings here