C’mon C’mon

“There are lots to unwrap in this script as it layers hopes, goals, fears, reflection and present self-assessments in a casserole of humanity that is shared between adult perspective and child perspective. Without making it seem ‘my turn, your turn’ narrative formula, both age groups manage to make known their range of life experiences in a fluid and evocative story. Meanwhile, garnished about is a documentary style set of observations among child interview subjects that frame the central narrative: a  personal exploration between radio journalist (and uncle) Johnny and 9-year old nephew Jesse, who find themselves in an impromptu caregiver/caretaker exchange when Jessie’s home life is temporarily upended.

“Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) is the child interviewer by trade who suddenly finds himself in a situation where he must reconsider work and its methodical, almost clinical approach toward insight into the minds of young people. This must now be balanced with putting what has been a work practice into real life action via his sister’s son. At his job, prior to his new role as a temporary caregiver in Jesse’s life, Johnny is armored by his noise-canceling headphones and scepter of professionalism—that is, his microphone. Jesse, however, is able to reach depths with what has been a work-minded uncle and teach him (and the audience) a thing or two about truly listening, both to others and one’s own self.

“This is not just a two-role dynamo, however. Gaby Hoffman clocks in with perhaps her best performance to date in a supporting role as Viv, Jesse’s mother who must take a parental hiatus to help Jesse’s father and his mental struggles. The small downside to the film may be in how the audience is expected to accept the readiness and willingness of a mother to put her role in her son’s life on hold so suddenly, ultimately just for the sake of what is clearly narrative convenience. But, it is a forgivable plot device once the buds of how each character reveals their psychological intricacies begin to sprout.

“It should also be noted how both director Mike Mills and Joaquin Phoenix control the reins of lead character Johnny, never going too deep into maudlin territory or overacting, which too often has been the case in many of Phoenix’s previous ‘watch me, watch me act’ roles. Fighting against the pitfall of having a clearly telegraphed climactic breakdown or triumph is what makes this particular story’s eventual climax and falling action so effective. Again, this effectiveness is coupled with the morsel by morsel approach Mills takes in unfolding each character rather than force-feeding it too much at once. And if you’re a fan of emerging child actors, Woody Norman as 9-year old Jesse might steal the show for you.

“One other element that is majestic is the use of lighting and black-and-white photography to provide a sense of naturalism to the film. This is coupled with the large city vibes of New York City and Los Angeles (also Detroit and New Orleans) and all the distant and impersonal connotations that can come with such locales. 4 cats out of 5 

“Recommended for fans of character reveals through dialogue-heavy scenes.

“Recommended for those interested in modern generational gap studies.”