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If You Remember Y2K This Will Be Sure to Make You Smile

MOVIE REVIEW
Millennium Bugs

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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Alejandro Montoya Marín
Writer(s): Alejandro Montoya Marín
Cast: Katy Erin, Michael Lovato, Daniel Cruz
Where To Watch: available streaming February 7, 2023


RAVING REVIEW: As a seasoned observer of the cinematic landscape, I recently had the chance to check out MILLENNIUM BUGS. Set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Y2K crisis (you know, the doomsday scenario that never ended up being but could have, had people not thought about it in time to fix computers worldwide), the movie charts the journey of two “friends” as they navigate a world consumed by chaos, all while grappling with their struggles.


Technically speaking, the film boasts some striking visuals; it felt every bit the 90s in the best way possible, and an energetic editing style encapsulated the period. The soundtrack is a highlight (although it’s not full of hits from start to finish, it still feels familiar in the right ways), and the cast turns in authentic and genuine performances with some very amusing scenes.

In conclusion, MILLENNIUM BUGS feels late to the party. The nostalgic 90s setting and memorable soundtrack are the elements that elevate this movie beyond. I liked the premise, but there just wasn’t enough to keep me hooked on the story. This is one of those cases where the idea was there, but parts of the execution faltered. That’s not to say you won’t enjoy this film, mainly if you lived through the height of Y2K (and were old enough to remember.) This will hit on every piece of nostalgia that you can think of. “The movie's representation of the era, complete with nods to Compact Discs, Zima, and AOL Messenger, effectively captures the essence of the time and serves as a poignant reminder of the parallels between the Y2K scare and the coming-of-age journey of the film's lead.”

Unfortunately, the intended premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival was canceled due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding a bittersweet layer of irony to this Y2K-inspired tale.

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[photo courtesy of BUSY DAY PRODUCTIONS, WHIPPERSNAPPER PRODUCTIONS]