C'mon C'mon

Probably my favorite Mike Mills film. C'mon C'mon is a beautifully written drama that envelopes everything in you. Phoenix and Woody Norman are unbelievably committed in their performances, and the beautiful score and cinematography adds a wonderful layer to the entire experience. I love this movie so much!

A Masterpiece of Empathy: The Relentless, Beautiful Labor of "Just Doing It"250212 (4.7)"Nobody knows what they're doing with their kids. You just have to keep doing it." This singular insight is a profound truth that everyone—especially parents—should witness. The film follows Johnny, a radio journalist who travels across the U.S. interviewing children about their thoughts on the future, while unexpectedly becoming the temporary guardian of his nine-year-old nephew, Jesse. Jesse is a complex, sensitive child who has been forced to mature quickly due to his father Paul’s deteriorating mental health. Through their journey from Los Angeles to New York and New Orleans, the movie beautifully illustrates that while raising a child is an immense struggle, life is equally daunting for the children themselves. The interviews Johnny conducts with diverse kids offer incredible wisdom, touching on loneliness, the fear of being misunderstood, and the burden of adult expectations. One Asian child’s remark—that they hate being told to "be strong" instead of being allowed to cry—cut deep, highlighting how we often suppress authentic emotions in favor of a hollow **** relationship between Johnny and Jesse is a delicate dance of frustration and deep affection. Johnny learns firsthand that balancing work and caregiving is an "impossible task," a reality often hidden behind the societal myth of perfect motherhood, which becomes the ultimate scapegoat for our political and personal failings. Jesse’s own insights are startling; he teaches Johnny how to meditate to find his "recovery zone" and records a self-interview where he explains the film's title: "What you plan for doesn't happen... so you just have to come on, come on." The scene where Johnny encourages Jesse to simply scream his frustrations is a cathartic peak. This film is a flawless ten-out-of-ten, utilizing even its end credits to provide a space for reflection. It reminds us that while we may not have all the answers, the act of making "ordinary things eternal" is a grand and worthy pursuit. It’s like a adolescent version of *Recess Therapy* but with the weight of a soulful poem, teaching us that while we might not be born with a purpose, we can certainly find the reason hidden behind our existence.