Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Mickey 17 And What's Making Us Happy" – Episode Summary

Released on March 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosted by NPR's Glen Weldon and Aisha Harris, the team delves into the recent sci-fi film "Mickey 17," directed by Bong Joon Ho, renowned for his critically acclaimed film "Parasite." Joined by cultural critic Jeff Yang and podcast co-host Kristen Meinzer, the discussion offers a multifaceted analysis of the movie's themes, performances, and overall execution. Additionally, the hosts share what’s bringing them joy in their personal lives during the "What's Making Us Happy This Week" segment.

Discussion on "Mickey 17"

Mickey 17 is Bong Joon Ho's latest venture, starring Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette. The film presents a dystopian future where a spaceship is en route to colonize a remote ice planet. Robert Pattinson plays Mickey, an anxious pastry chef who becomes an expendable worker for the spaceship’s mission, subject to repeated deaths and reprints into new bodies—a concept that forms the core of the film's exploration of mortality and humanity.

Jeff Yang on Bong Joon Ho's Mastery

Jeff Yang praises Bong Joon Ho's ability to intertwine various themes seamlessly. He remarks, "If you're the same [fan], you're gonna absolutely love this film because it's kind of this super convergence of themes and ideas..." (02:45) Yang highlights the film's intricate details, such as the human printer that produces Mickey clones, which added layers of humor and technological satire. His enthusiasm is palpable as he notes, "I watched it twice, and I actually enjoyed it even more the second time." (02:45)

Aisha Harris on Performances and Themes

Aisha Harris commends Robert Pattinson's performance, particularly his unique accent inspired by characters like Steve Buscemi's in Fargo and Ray Liotta's Henry Hill in Goodfellas. She observes, "He has a very, very thick accent here...," emphasizing how Pattinson effectively conveys the film’s themes of death and fear. However, Harris expresses some reservations about the film's latter parts, stating, "the first act and this setup is much stronger, and then it kind of loses. It kind of lost me in the second," (04:39) but still appreciates the visual storytelling.

Kristen Meinzer's Critical Perspective

Kristen Meinzer offers a more critical viewpoint, citing the film's length and perceived heavy-handedness in addressing multiple societal issues simultaneously. She asserts, "it was too long. It was too heavy handed... trying to say so much against oligarchs, against entertainers as rulers, against white supremacy..." (04:50) Meinzer felt that the film's ambitious scope resulted in a lack of focus, making it difficult to follow and less impactful than Bong's previous works.

Glen Weldon on Directorial Techniques

Glen Weldon discusses Bong Joon Ho's unique shooting style, which eschews traditional coverage in favor of meticulously storyboarding every shot. He notes, "Bong Joon Ho keeps saying to her and to Mark Ruffalo, okay, just think of it like you're in a different movie..." (06:00) Weldon appreciates how this method contributes to the film’s chaotic and over-the-top nature, likening it to "a pair of fuzzy handcuffs" compared to the precise "steel trap" of Parasite.

Jeff Yang on Robert Pattinson’s Performance

Jeff Yang underscores Pattinson's dedication, describing his role as a "double" that demands versatility and commitment. He praises how Pattinson navigates the character's absurdity and emotional depth, stating, "it's clearly going to be divisive. In a lot of ways... it's a tour de force." (08:34) Yang also highlights the film's capacity to spark political and existential conversations through its sci-fi narrative.

Aisha Harris on Character Development

Aisha Harris critiques the limited character development, particularly for the antagonist played by Mark Ruffalo. She mentions, "I both appreciated and also just wanted a little bit more, I don't know, character development..." (15:03) Harris felt that while the film excels in visual and thematic elements, it falls short in providing depth to its supporting characters, which could have enhanced the overall narrative.

Glen Weldon on Empathy and Expenditure

Glen Weldon explores the film's treatment of empathy, particularly how the expendable nature of Mickey's character evokes sadness and horror despite the film's comedic elements. He reflects, "I was so invested in Mickey. I felt empathetic towards him..." (16:39) Weldon discusses how the film balances humor with genuine emotional weight, avoiding a cynical or thin portrayal of its heavy themes.

Naomi Ackee's Strong Characterization

Both Yang and Meinzer commend Naomi Ackee's portrayal of Nasha, the ship's space cop. They describe her character as the only fully developed persona in the film, bringing nuance and depth that contrast with the more caricatured roles of others. Ackee's strength and charisma are highlighted as anchors that provide emotional balance to Mickey's turbulent existence.

Conclusion on "Mickey 17"

The discussion concludes with an acknowledgment of Mickey 17 as a film that, despite its flaws, offers significant thematic richness and performances worthy of attention. The hosts agree that Bong Joon Ho's film is both a personal and societal mirror, prompting viewers to reflect on themes of expendability, empathy, and humanity within a sci-fi framework.

What's Making Us Happy This Week

Following the main discussion, the hosts transition to their favorite segment, sharing personal picks for happiness:

• Kristen Meinzer recommends Dolly Parton's Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, a visually rich and engaging book that offers an immersive experience when read alongside its audiobook version. She appreciates the delightful conversations and the visual storytelling that complements Dolly's anecdotes.

• Jeff Yang expresses his enthusiasm for the TV series Reacher on Prime Video, highlighting Alan Ritchson's portrayal of the titular character as a source of joy and stability amidst life's chaos. He describes Reacher as "this rectangular justice machine," emphasizing his admiration for the character's relentless pursuit of good.

• Aisha Harris introduces listeners to Sema, a London-based singer-songwriter whose music evokes Mariah Carey vibes with a unique twist. She recommends Sema's 2019 EP Ribbons and Bows and singles like "Bittersweet," "Honeycomb," and "Salty Now" for their sonic warmth and engaging melodies.

• Glen Weldon shares his appreciation for the indie game Dredge, a fishing simulator with a twist of eldritch horror. He encourages listeners to explore its creepy yet enjoyable narrative, appealing to fans of immersive and atmospheric gaming experiences.

Final Thoughts

Mickey 17 And What's Making Us Happy offers a deep dive into Bong Joon Ho's ambitious film, balances critical insights with personal reflections, and highlights the hosts' diverse interests that bring them joy. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, cultural critiques, or simply looking for new media to enjoy, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of contemporary pop culture phenomena.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Yang: "If you're the same [fan], you're gonna absolutely love this film because it's kind of this super convergence of themes and ideas..." (02:45)

• Aisha Harris: "He has a very, very thick accent here..." (04:39)

• Kristen Meinzer: "it was too long. It was too heavy handed..." (04:50)

• Glen Weldon: "This film feels like a pair of fuzzy handcuffs. It's just big, right? It's over the top." (06:00)

• Jeff Yang: "it's clearly going to be divisive... it's a tour de force." (08:34)

This summary captures the essence of the "Mickey 17 And What's Making Us Happy" episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and perspectives from the hosts and guests. For more in-depth conversations and updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into Pop Culture Happy Hour on NPR.