Watch Red Rocket

Red Rocket is a film from director Sean Baker, known for his previous works like Tangerine and The Florida Project. The movie stars Simon Rex, who is known for his work as a rapper and MTV VJ in the early 2000s. This is his first major acting role in a long time. Red Rocket follows the story of Mikey Saber (Rex), a former adult film star who has returned to his small hometown in Texas after being out of work and out of money. Mikey is looking to start a new life and reconnect with his estranged wife, Strawberry (Bree Elrod), who he hasn't seen in over a decade.

The movie opens with a montage of Mikey in his heyday, showing clips from his work as an adult film star. We then see Mikey living out of his car, struggling to find work or a place to stay. He eventually manipulates his way into staying with his wife at her mother's home, but he quickly finds that reconnecting with Strawberry is going to be a lot harder than he expected.

The film is a character study of Mikey, as we watch him try to navigate his way through his old hometown and his relationships with the people he left behind. Mikey is a complex character - he's manipulative, selfish, and has a dark side, but there are moments where he shows a level of vulnerability and humanity that makes him somewhat sympathetic.

One of the main themes of Red Rocket is the idea of redemption - Can Mikey really change his ways and make things right with the people he's hurt in the past? Or is he doomed to repeat the same mistakes again and again?

The cinematography and direction in Red Rocket are excellent. Baker has a keen eye for capturing the gritty, rundown beauty of small-town America, and there are some stunning shots of the Texas landscape throughout the film. The movie also features a great soundtrack, with a mix of classic rock and country music that perfectly fits the tone of the story.

The acting in Red Rocket is top-notch. Simon Rex gives a career-defining performance as Mikey, showcasing both his comedic and dramatic skills. Bree Elrod is fantastic as Strawberry, conveying both her love for Mikey and her deep-seated resentment towards him. And the supporting cast, which includes Suzanna Son as a local convenience store clerk and Brittney Rodriguez as Strawberry's teenage daughter, all turn in great performances.

Overall, Red Rocket is a powerful and thought-provoking film that stays with you long after it's over. It's a raw and honest portrayal of a complicated character trying to find his way back to the people he's hurt, and it's a testament to the talent of everyone involved that it's able to be both funny and heart-wrenching at the same time. If you're a fan of Sean Baker's other work, or if you're just looking for a great indie film that will make you think, Red Rocket is definitely worth checking out.

Red Rocket is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 76.