User reviews

The interaction & conversation between him & the boy are so natural. I didn't feel like I was watching a movie. It was so real. I was even wondering if they really used a "script" because it didn't look like acting at all.

After watching the movie, I started to think kids are more than just innocent. They have concern, worries & struggles. Parenting is such a difficult course. The communication skill is so important when it comes to parenting. I am sure many parents would relate when they watch this movie.

I don't want to be too negative about this, as it's cute and tries to bring something good to the world, but I didn't connect all and found it - and I hate to say this about films - boring for the most part. It's ok, I guess, but with 30 minutes you have seen all the film. Underwhelming experience.

Greetings again from the darkness. Not all filmmakers have something to say about human beings and human nature, but writer-director Mike Mills does ... and he continues to prove it. His three previous feature films are all excellent. 20th CENTURY WOMEN (2016) was based on his experience being raised by his mother, while BEGINNERS (2010) was a tribute to his father. THUMBSUCKER (2005) focused on teen angst, and his latest is inspired by interactions with his own son and Mills' documentary projects.

From the mouths of babes. Early on, we watch and listen as radio journalist Johnny (Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix, JOKER, 2019) interviews kids in Detroit to get their opinions on all aspects of life and the world, including their hopes and expectations for the future. This and additional segments and the kids' responses seem real, not staged, presenting a documentary feel - especially since everything is filmed in Black and White. In a rare phone call with his estranged sister Viv (Gaby Hoffman, who will always be remembered as Ray's daughter in FIELD OF DREAMS, 1989), Johnny offers to take care of Viv's 9 year old son, Jesse (Woody Norman), while Viv assists Jesse's father, Paul (Scoot McNairy), who battles ongoing mental health issues.

Viv is reticent to leave Jesse with Uncle Johnny, an unmarried man with no kids of his own. But she's desperate for the help. Most of the film revolves around Johnny and Jesse spending time together and getting to know each other. Circumstances take the story from Detroit to New York City to Los Angeles to New York City to New Orleans. It's a terrific journey that lacks any jaw-dropping cinematic elements. These two aren't mountain climbing or spelunking. They simply walk and talk. This allows Jesse to experience a father-figure that's been lacking in his life. For Johnny, he gains a perspective on parenting, which contrasts with his professional work interviewing kids. Jesse is whip smart and funny, but also manipulative and confused and downright quirky. The two of them together is quite something to watch as their relationship develops.

Viv shows up mostly in phone calls with Johnny and Jesse, but flashbacks help us understand the emotional break that occurred between she and Johnny. As the two siblings mend their relationship despite the distance, Mills and cinematographer Robbie Ryan effectively use the black and white palette to negate the excitement of big cities and travel, so that we focus on the personal interactions of the characters. The photography may be beautiful to look at, but it also reminds us that to a kid, a city is a city is a city, and what matters is an emotional bond and sense of security.

Young Woody Norman is a revelation as Jesse. He perfectly portrays a normal kid with normal issues in a grown up world. Gaby Hoffman doesn't have as many scenes as we'd like, but we certainly wish she would work more frequently. As for Joaquin Phoenix, it's a welcome change of pace and tone after JOKER. He plays a man learning to deal with his own vulnerabilities, and he really gets to show off his extraordinary acting talent. The script is filled with psychology and philosophy, but in a grounded manner - ways we recognize from our own lives. It's a reflective film that shows the balance of trying to protect kids and shield them from some adult stuff, while also allowing them to explore and find themselves. The impact of adults on kids and the impact of kids on adults is on full display, but it's also just a couple of guys getting to know each other. And that's pretty special to watch.

The film had a limited opening on November 19, and expands to more cities and theaters on November 24, 2021.

I was wondering while I was watching this, what title I would have given it. And while the title will appear as something a character is saying, the one I used in my summary headline is also working wonders. I wrote so of course I am going to say that right? But let's get into the movie.

Joaquin Phoneix is an incredible actor. And as an uncle he seems to be the one Dude you'd love to have. Even more so for someone like me - having this dream of New York being an awesome city to live or at least experience.

The movie is in black and white by choice, but it's not something that should bother you. It may even help you concentrate on the relationships. The biggest being the one between uncle and nephew, but you also have the sister and her husband. And how they relate to each other ... the most important thing though: how kids or young adults are viewing the world.

This really may be able to make you dream again - to make you question certain things that you may not have questioned before. Not in a conspiracy kind of way - but out of curiosity. Why can't we spread more love amongst each other? And other things that might entirely go along with your moral views (hopefully). I know one of the kids really hit the spot with their quote.

It is hard to describe this other than tell you it is about life. About overcoming small and big changes ... about trying to make the most of it, while still being respectful to one another. About listening ... oh so much about listening ... trying to absorb as much as possible. And trying to remember what you went through, but also making new memories for yourself. Treat others the way you want to be treated - talk to children like you would to an adult. Be open to them ... let them tell you what to do. Maybe even look up what to do on the internet when there is an issue.

There are so many great things going on here ... and all are done in a subtle yet quite convincing way ... effortless. Maybe the Oscars are getting it right when it comes to best picture nominees after all ...

"There will be so much for you to learn, and so much for you to feel. Sadness, joy, disappointment, and wonder."

Mike Mills' newest feature film C'mon C'mon follows a radio journalist, Johnny, that embarks on a cross-country trip with his young nephew, Jesse. If you've seen anything by Mike Mills, you know what you're in for. My first of his was 20th Century Women, a film I adore. His district style of making films about ideas and not story either works for you or doesn't. Once he has the idea down, and they're always well thought out ideas, he creates characters from there and they interact with the world around them as is to create a slice of life story. Once again, slice of life either works for you or doesn't. Depends if you want a heightened reality or see the world for how it is everyday. C'mon C'mon takes the idea aspect very literally. Johnny's current project is going around the states and interviewing children and preteens how they see the world and what they want out of it. I do have a Q&A link that I have yet to watch, but I believe Joaquin Phoenix and the crew actually went out and interviewed actual kids. Otherwise the screenplay is that amazing and these kids are masters at acting. The part was talked about in the Q&A so I guess I'll find out. Strewn throughout the film and the entirety of the credits is audio and video recordings of these interviews. It's a really down-to-earth idea that reminds us what we should be looking at when we see our future and the future for the next generation. The screenplay is truly incredible. Yet again, does Mills write in a way that comes off so natural that you don't even know if this is scripted or not. And he directs it so intimately. The use of black and white works well in its favor, capturing the rich tones we usually don't see with the naked eye. We're close to our characters at all times. Everything feels comforting. Even the way he captures each city makes it feel like a wonderful new experience. As usual, he references many texts and songs throughout for us to remember and search for ourselves.

Joaquin Phoenix finally won his Oscar for Joker almost two years ago. Personally, I think he got even better with this. Maybe it's me being one on subtle performances, but I felt a genuine human being that has found warmth and struggle in this newfound connection with his nephew. Being with him is cozy and calm, even in the most challenging moments. I think the real standout, though, is Woody Norman. When it comes to child performances, I think he just set a new standard. Not only is he British and you couldn't even tell if you tried, but he manages to embody this character to perfection. He's irritating, lovable, and all of those qualities you see within an eccentric child. His relationship with Johnny will make you laugh (he's absolutely hilarious) and cry at the best of times. Gabby Hofmann plays Viv, Jesse's mother, and though her role may be smaller, she's very good. All of the acting hits in a genuine way where you forget they're acting. This film is incredibly pleasing and has this unexplainable feeling that entranced me. Even in the slower moments and parts that felt insignificant to the plot, I enjoyed them. Every moment is meant to be cherished (yes that sounds like a Hallmark card). The very end, we have a grand monologue from Phoenix. I swear to you, it's one of the most beautiful things ever written. My eyes were dripping with tears and I was holding it together. Then, the last line hit and I just about started sobbing right there. A few other people in the audience lost it. But the screen went to black and the credits rolled. I managed to hold it together, but even half an hour after it was done (and even now), when I think about that moment I could just start crying. That's how you end a movie. C'mon C'mon captures emotion and life around us in a way like no other. I felt incredibly connected to the story and didn't want it to end. I'd love for most everybody to see this and hopefully feel as strongly as I do, because it's a visceral experience that everyone should have.

Nicely made, with a sweet and mellow story. Very much a slow burning movie, but not uninsteresting at the slightest. Great acting, good kid actor, and good execution. All in all a nice story and film

7/10: great.

Don't know about you, but i can only say "i love cinema" after watching movies like this. Mike Mills, whom i loved with 20th Century Women, is now one of my favorite directors. Joaquin Phoenix is back to his roots after Joker. Well done. Robbie Ryan has done an amazing cinematography. Woody Norman isn't just a good actor, he's like God's gift to Hollywood. I hope A24 releases this movie on 4K Blu-ray.

A really well made movie. Well shot, brilliant performances, good writing, but overall I wasn't swept away in this one.

For whatever reason, I was never invested in the story, it did start coming together for me a bit in the last act.

I found myself simply watching the movie and then aware of the acute annoyance of just watching it. Not feeling much, not experiencing much, just watching it.

Maybe that's a me problem? My girlfriend (who is far more emotionally and intellectually intelligent than myself and also has immeasurably better taste) said she kinda sorta felt the same way a little bit.

She said "maybe in ten years it'll mean a little more to us."

And I think she has a good point, this is very much about a man who falls into a parental situation and for my girlfriend and I, those are just about the last kinds of situation we're trying to find ourselves in.

So wouldn't that be a great hook for getting us on board? A single, career focused individual having to step up and be a role model and look after his nephew?

The problem is, Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny is just too good of a character, he makes so few mistakes as he just seamlessly becomes a great figure for young Jesse (Woody Norman). And even when he does make a mistake he's so quick to realize it and correct it.

I guess most of the turmoil of the film is what's happening with Jesse's mother and father, but we don't spend a ton of time with them.

For the record, I like Mike Mills other work, 20th Century Women was absolutely brilliant as was Thumbsucker.

I really enjoyed the black and white photography, and the filming locations are wonderful. We sprawl from Los Angeles, Oakland, New York City, and New Orleans. All great cinematic locations.

Overall, it's a good movie and I can see how this would mean so much to a specific audience member, I am also happy to see Joaquin put on some weight, after Joker, he was looking really unhealthy. But personally, it just didn't have the euphoric effect I get when I watch something that really speaks to me.

I'm not sorry.

I loved it. It's a beautiful film. There aren't many films made like this today. Probably why this film stands out so much. The dialogue in the screenplay is very organic and realistic. I could almost swear it was improvised. Joanquin Phoenix and Woody Norman (boy) gave great performances and they both have a lot of chemistry together. It's good to see a film that portrays a positive adult male image in film with children. The black and white cinematography makes the film timeless. Joanquin Phoenix it's one hell of a great actor.

A unintentional companion piece to The Lost Daughter, insomuch as there are elements that explore the sheer torture, pain, monotony and downright dullness that children of a certain age can (occasionally) deliver, especially if the events in their upbringing have facilitated and amplified such behaviour. Fine performances but ever so slightly disengaging at times.

Mike Mills shows again he is one of the most prolific directors of this century. Joaquin Phoenix is amazing as always, with one of his finest performances in years, while the young boy Woody Norman takes all the attention. Gaby Hoffmann is incredible too. The photography, the city shots and the black and white format makes it more beautiful, enhacing the easily-cry story Mills delivers. You will cry for sure.

Viv (Gaby Hoffmann) cares for her hospitalized husband leaving her son Jesse (Woody Norman) in the care of her radio journalist brother Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix).

It's a small personal indie. It's in black and white. It makes everything more intimate and more indie. Joaquin is doing a more reserved character. Gaby's work is mostly done on the phone which is interesting. The kid is quite effective. The funniest scenes are Johnny trying to deal with an uncooperative Jesse. This film has its fun moments but mostly it's an intimate film of relationships. I do question Johnny's guardian instincts right from the start. It makes no sense to uproot a child from his home especially during traumatic times. I wish that his reasoning has something more compelling than his job. I don't sense that his job is worth that much anyways. All in all, this is an interesting small indie.

... so always use an airtight container for leftovers.

Joking aside, this abjectly humorless, supposed uncle/nephew bonding story was grueling for me to watch. I guess I'm the old guy yelling at kids on his lawn now, because that kid was annoying me 50% of the movie. And the navel-gazing by all the adults in the movie on the best ways to placate him was annoying me about another 25% of the time.

Is that really the degree of freedom a parent would allow an out-of-control little brat? I don't think so. The only rule for this kid is there are no rules.

The 25% of the movie that appealed to me were the very realistic interviews with young people interspersed throughout.. Seems like some people ate this one up, but for sure it is not my kind of movie.

A sweet, sad movie about a single man who learns a bit about how tough it is to be a parent when he takes charge of his nephew for a while.

Joaquin Phoenix is the uncle, and he's good, but it's Gaby Hoffmann, playing his sister, and especially little Woody Norman, as the nephew, who steal the show. It's the rare movie that takes children and their thoughts about the world seriously, and it also taps into the anxiety of raising children into a very uncertain future.

People are really responding very emotionally to this film if Internet film sites are any indication, and I can understand why, though it didn't personally resonate with me that much. It's the kind of movie that people bring a lot of themselves to and I imagine any one person's response to it will be greatly affected by their own circumstances in the moment. Though I guess that can be said of any movie anytime.

I did find it weird that, in a movie that's so about the anxiety of the times, there isn't a single mention of Covid. You never see people wearing masks, no one talks about it. This year I've really noticed the disconnect between movies set in present day and the world the way it actually looks right now. It's strange that filmmakers are completely ignoring something that is so dominating every single person's life and has changed the world as much as it has.

Grade: A-

Shot, magnificently in luminous black and white, by Robbie Ryan Mike Mills' new film "C'mon C'mon" is a 'bring-your-brain-to-the-cinema' movie that's a pleasure to both watch and listen to and it features a beautifully subdued performance from Joaquin Phoenix as a radio journalist whose unlikely job it is to go around the country interviewing children about their thoughts, lives and opinions, a subject you don't find everyday at your local multiplex. It's a deeply interior picture that brings us very close indeed into the lives of its central characters while at the same time giving us an expansive view of contemporary America as good as any in recent cinema.

Fundamentally, it's a three character piece as Phoenix takes to the road with his young nephew, (a terrific performance from 11 year old Woody Norman). Basically he's babysitting the kid after his sister, the boy's mother and the film's third character, (a superb Gaby Hoffmann), has to go to take care of her schizophrenic ex-partner and very soon it's Phoenix who finds it's his nephew who is interviewing him about his feelings, thoughts etc. As well as getting him to play weird games involving dead children.

If any of this sounds strange or off-putting, it isn't. This is a surprisingly sweet and funny movie that confirms Mills as one of the best, if least prolific, directors working today and as someone with the wherewithall to go his own idiosyncratic way. "C'mon C'mon" might look like an art-movie but this great, feelgood film deserves the widest possible audience which is what it would get if were shot in colour and sentimentalized except Mills doesn't do sentimental. Absolutely terrific.

Well I wasn't this a quality one. Powerful dialogue and Joaquin was brilliant once again. The Kid played by Woody Norman was amazing and I even swallowed a few tears on his ability to emote so realistically. We have seen this plot played out before where a scre up uncle finds himself through caring for his sisters child but, this version really tapped into the deep emotions that are at play here.

Director and writer Mike Mills has once again done and made a personal film that speaks to viewers. As "C'mon C'mon" is one touching feel good emotional drama journey that shows love and connection between kids and adults. A young boy Jesse(Woody Norman)gets to see a glimpse of the country and other lives. Now here is how the story connects Johhny(Joaquin Phoenix("Joker")) is a lonely divorced New York city radio journalists who travels the country interviewing kids, and his sister Viv(Gabby Hoffman) who lives in L. A. hasn't spoke much to John since their mother's death, and Gab has problems of her own as her husband and his mental health is gripping however 9 year old Jesse(Norman) keeps them connected. Then the film opens and pops up wide when John decides to be an uncle and much needed parent figure to little Jesse, and despite his bruised home life Jesse is open minded with thought and wit and when arriving in New York city to be with John the relationship is tested, yet slowly grows on a rich life like journey in which Jesse sees other kids and culture. Really this picture is moving, touching and a blend of life and art as it proves during a journey one connects, learns, and has experiences.

Earnest in its approach, endearing in its appeal and elevated by excellent performances, C'mon C'mon is crafted with care, told with compassion and offers an interesting perspective on world seen through the eyes of the young minds while covering the transformative personal journey of a radio journalist after he reconnects with his estranged sister and decides to look after her son in her absence.

Written & directed by Mike Mills (20th Century Women), there is a welcome warmth & serenity to the way the film addresses & explores its themes and the relationship between our protagonist & his nephew is allowed to develop gradually. The interactions feel natural, the characters are well drawn and while it isn't always sweet & tender but also messy & frustrating, the emotional beats do retain their authenticity.

Shedding light on the way the young, intuitive & curious minds perceive the world around them compared to the grown-ups, the film packs some wonderfully evocative scenes but the drama does get repetitive after some time and the glacial pace also begins to bother. The crisp black-n-white cinematography offers a timeless touch to the imagery. And Joaquin Phoenix plays his role with required composure & gentleness.

Overall, C'mon C'mon navigates life, family, parenting, childhood, healing & transformation to deliver a family drama that strikes a resonant chord at times and is beautifully manoeuvred by the sweet & sincere chemistry between its young & adult leads. The film is at its best when it's conducting interviews with a variety of kids about their thoughts concerning their world & their future but the main story at hand isn't without its merits either.

Joaquin Phoenix returns as an uncle who had to take care of his nephew while working on a project asking kids and teenagers about the future.

For about like 30 minutes I wasn't sure what the movie was trying to do. There's some quotes from books or works that didn't feel like they belong to the movie. Then the interview with the kids also felt random.

However, this beautiful piece of film took its time to grow on me and suck me into the conversations. The most endearing aspect was the sweet yet frustrating relationship between Joaquin Phoenix's character, the uncle who's acting like a father figure to his nephew, played by Woody Norman. It's a journey on learning to be a parent and understanding a child's diverse and complicated mindset. Both characters had a lot of cute moments together, but in between were also dark, confusing, and frustrating moments that made you feel like kids are the worst thing ever. Phenomenal performances by Phoenix and especially the kid Norman made the relationship ever more convincing.

As for the series of interviews, they took awhile before I saw how they connected to the theme of parenting. It's fascinating how these kids can have such deep and mature thoughts. There were so many interviews that lasted until the end of the credits.

Aesthetically, this movie looked beautiful. The black-and-white look along with the music and recordings from Joaquin Phoenix created a calming and immersive atmosphere that invited me to listen to the conversations.

Overall, what an emotional, thoughtful, and breathtaking film. 8.5-9/10.

In this film we can appreciate the abysmal differences between adulthood and childhood.

In a very artistic and interpretive way, this story exposes how different adults and children are, specifically in the emotional field and how each one handles it, although it also tells us that the different ways of parenting between generations have a lot to do with the way we express our feelings. It also raises the different perspectives between children and adults on the world and society. The story can be a bit slow, but these types of movies are usually like that and it is very beautiful to be able to contemplate this message and the story in this format, although the ending can be long. The performances are phenomenal, expressing everything the character feels or not, all other production aspects are also good.

In this story the innocence of being a child is appreciated, just as it shows us how complicated things can be when one person grows up and has responsibilities, a story that leaves you thinking and that makes you appreciate the hope and positivity that are in children.

Delivering in its intimacy and raw emotion "C'mon C'mon" offers a realistic portrayal of familial struggles that grants amazing performances from its cast (particularly from Norman and Phoenix) and beautiful story throughout continuing to showcase the talent of its director Mike Mills.

Mike Mills delivers another deeply humanistic and meditative work with this offbeat film about a journalist who interviews children in major US cities and suddenly finds himself taking his nephew in toe while his sister grapples with the challenges of her disturbed husband. Along the way, his nephew asks more than his share of challenging questions.

Performances here are piercingly accurate. Joaquin Phoenix is excellent as usual as the middle-aged protagonist who suddenly sees the world and his own life through the eyes of his wide-eyed nephew. Gaby Hoffman is persuasive as the boy's exhausted, long-suffering mother. And finally, Woody Norman is a joy to watch as the boisterous but inquisitive 9-year old Jesse who flips the script on his uncle's humdrum life.

The only major criticism of this film would be its final stretch which takes a while to conclude. However, Mills draws us in and knows how to delve into his characters' lives in a whimsical and incisive manner, allowing us to get to know them in a way that feels natural and intimate. Excerpts from the interviews add another dimension of perception of life through the eyes of adolescents. Overall, a movie for everyone who likes to think about life's challenges and perspectives, which change over time. This is kind of a reflection journey. Solid and recommended.

The only reason I had to sit through this was because I pause for it and Joaquin Phoenix. Other than that, it's just mistake after mistake. Things that make no sense.

To add insult to injury, I've never wanted to smack a little kid around more. Everybody spends the entire 2 hours apologizing to this little sh$t. He's the product of a really bad mother and a bipolar father (how about not reproducing?) and then a very confused and pitiful uncle. I get it. But not an excuse for being god to every adult.

What a mess. This movie needs to give ME the one star for sitting through it. Seriously, c'mon.

This movie might feel slow at first, and it might not be for everyone... But if you do hang in there you will be surprised and moved by the amazing acting of all three main characters.

Joaquin is proves once more to be an amazing and eclectic actor. The young boy is amazing.

Black and white gives it an intimacy that would not be found otherwise.

The different cities where it is shot come alive and show their true soul.

Soundtrack spot-on with the perfect mix of classical music and other genres.

A masterpiece, making me appreciate what movies should be about, with the right balance of emotions, fun and thought-provoking stuff.