Millennium Bugs Movie Review by Josh Davis : Pop Culture Leftovers

Millennium Bugs Movie Review by Josh Davis

April 29, 2023 11:45 am |

“Millennium Bugs” is the story of two twenty-something friends who find their lives in a downward spiral during the last days of the 20th century.

Kelly (Katy Erin) burned through her parents’ inheritance by spending big on TVs, trips to Europe and other frivolities, and she decides to try and drink herself into oblivion.

Miguel (Michael Lovato) is a video store clerk and wannabe stand-up comedian who still live with his parents and was recently dumped by his long-time girlfriend.

Kelly learns her money situation is so bad that she’ll have to sell her parents’ house and move. Miguel, meanwhile, has a panic attack and bombs a local stand-up gig, and then finds out he didn’t get into a prestigious comedy program in L.A.

Dejected and feeling the pre-millennium tension, the friends snort cocaine off compacts discs, drink too much, and repeatedly vomit throughout the middle of the film. There’s a brief feeling that the movie might devolve into a weird crime thriller, but it ultimately stays within the confines of the 90s indie comedy/dramas that it mines and mimics.

Early in the film, the two friends meet in the video store, and the setting and rapid-fire dialog is immediately reminiscent of “Clerks.” There are also shades of other turn-of-the-last-century cult classics like “Kids” and “Doom Generation.” Early Kevin Smith is definitely a big influence.

Writer/Director Alejandro Montoya Marín penned a strong script that moves fast and is genuinely funny in several parts, and heartfelt and sincere in others. The movie feels like a low-budget indie, but there are also some beautiful framing shots and clever camera movements. Give this guy a bigger budget, and let’s see what he can do.

The cast is mostly unknown, and the movie greatly focuses on its two leads. Lovato is mostly serviceable, but he does banter well with Erin and has a few standout scenes, including a cathartic takedown of a rival comedian.

Erin, on the other hand, flashes real range and largely carries the film. She’s charming and charismatic, even when dripping sarcasm and generally being a lout. But she also shines in dramatic scenes, especially during a drunken and tearful voicemail to her ex-girlfriend, and a later rooftop confrontation with Miguel.

Kudos to filmmakers for nailing all the late-90s pop culture references, from iMacs, overly long dial-up connections, and car CD wallets, to Arsenio Hall and “Dawson’s Creek” references.

There’s also a strong soundtrack featuring alternative and indie rock standouts of the time like Soul Asylum, Archers of Loaf, and The Magnetic Fields, as well as original music by Please.

The film ends with Kelly and Miguel promising to meet whatever challenges lie ahead together, and there’s a great almost-closing shot reminiscent of “Lost in Translation” – which incidentally came out just post-millennium, in 2003.

“Millennium Bugs” isn’t quite as memorable as some of its influences, but it’s still a smart, funny, and occasionally quite moving coming of age story. Martin and Erin, in particular, are ones to watch.

PCL Rating: Taste It

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH