Y2K Review: A Raunchy, Yet Happily Cheesy, ‘90s Disaster Movie With Rachel Zegler & Jaeden Martell
It really seems like more people are truly yearning for the nostalgia of the early 2000s. Whether that be through era-adjacent films like The Sandlot or movies that emulate that time like It Follows, audiences always want that escape. There’s a certain attitude that many want to relive that experience, even if it felt like that time was recent like with Time Cut. However, such ways of exploring the past can depend on who’s behind the camera. For Y2K, a film that embraces its cheesy ideas, delightful characters, and gory kills, Kyle Mooney really delivers with his unique take.
As a ‘90s nostalgia film, Y2K pulls out all the stops to emphasize the era’s highlights. As a disaster-comedy-thriller, it exemplifies those elements by not taking itself too seriously. Of course, its namesake centers around the now-absurd idea of the technological phenomenon that everyone feared. It follows two small-town boys, Eli and Danny, who try to make New Year’s Eve their best night, whether it’s helping Eli get Laura, the girl of his dreams, or otherwise. However, things get gruesomely chaotic as a rogue computer bug takes over the world.
Tonally, it does feel like Y2K pulls from different period films like Weird Science and American Pie. Throughout the film, it adapts this satirical undertone that makes it clear that it’s not taking itself too seriously. The core idea of the “Y2K bug” is already outlandish enough, but Mooney really shows that through its antagonist. From its “zany” dialogue to its minions, created practically by Weta Workshop, it very much feels like it’s going over-the-top. This also applies for the film’s cinematography, which shapes certain scenes in euphoric ways that emphasize those stereotypes.
Throughout Y2K, there’s this continual switch up in tone that may put some off due to its overall comedic nature. Its first act is a coming-of-age piece with the two leads, Eli and Danny, preparing for the party. Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison have this cool brotherly relationship in these scenes, even if Danny proves to be more of the “man” than Eli is. It has this brisk pacing to get the viewer engaged in seeing the sparks fly between Eli and Laura.
However, in its second and third acts, Y2K goes full sci-fi/adventure/horror a la Stranger Things. It tries to retain that coming-of-age element through those subtle character moments, but the overall tone is overtly comical, which results in those moments feeling diminished. This is particularly so when Kyle Mooney’s Garrett, a relaxing, weed-induced friend of Eli’s, brings the group under his shelter.
The main cast does a great job in making Y2K a generally fun film to watch. Rachel Zegler and Martell have this sweet, almost carefree chemistry as they go from acquaintances to companions. Sure, it has its moments where it is stereotypical of that “lover’s bond” arc that every ‘90s film had. However, Zegler and Martell are able to bring their own charm in playing Eli and Laura respectively. This especially becomes clear in the second act, where the two both begin to open up about their personal struggles.
These struggles come in the form of two abusive figures. For Eli, it’s Eduardo Franco’s Farkas, a punk-rock bully with his own gang. For Laura, it’s her two boyfriends, The Kid Laroi’s Chris and Mason Gooding’s Jonas. Though they have varying personalities, Jonas being more chill than Chris, they both drive a wedge between Eli and Laura. While these characters are somewhat morally ambiguous, the film takes a unique approach with them. These three characters take up a short amount of screen time, which is likely due to their roles. This especially goes for Farkas and Chris as karma strikes them hard.
There are two characters however that happily get depth: Lachlan Watson’s Ash and Daniel Zolghadri’s CJ. Both start out as conventional music punks who are surface-level: Ash is Farkas’s “henchman” recording everything and CJ is the geeky nerd. As the film goes on though, they surprisingly open up about their backgrounds and find something in common. This results in a lovely friendship that has the right amount of development, especially with Ash. There’s a moment where Ash really shines with an inspiring speech when everyone’s down, which serves as a good highlight.
Overall, Y2K is an enjoyable, if chaotic, coming-of-age adventure that revels in adapting (and making fun of) ‘90s media. While Y2K may be overly ironic at times, Kyle Mooney makes a good case in exploring multiple genres. It’s got a good blend of charisma, insanity, and sympathy to make it a great watch party flick!
Y2K arrives in theaters nationwide December 6.
Rating
★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.