Entering the competition for the very first time (this is Sean Baker‘s second official visit on the Croisette with The Florida Project premiering in the Directors’ Fortnight section) Red Rocket features explores another unique backdrop (Texas City, Texas), notions of what hustling really implies or requires (mostly go for broke and living on a prayer) and it’s anchored by a comedic and charismatic performance Simon Rex who’s Mikey Saber will likely be mention in “butt” jokes at the Indie Spirit awards next year. Blasting to N Sync’s Bye Bye Bye, this is about departures and arrivals – into homes and people’s lives.
With the same sort of “rocket” fuel that we last saw on the croisette with Safdie Bros.’ Good Times, the critics responded extremely well to Sean Baker’s film – placing it tied for second with A Hero.
Click on the grid below for a larger version and latest updates!