Film Review: Black Mirror Series Five (Part 3/3)

The final episode, titled Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too, stars Miley Cyrus!

Yes, you got that right. Black Mirror is full of surprises, eh? What's perhaps even more surprising is that this episode isn't dark and gloomy like most of the other Black Mirror episodes are.

The Premise

Ashley O is a huge star who gets put in a coma. Her consciousness is placed inside robotic dolls electronically. One of these dolls belongs to a girl named Rachel. An adventure ensues as Rachel and her older sister Jack, follow a trail that leads to Ashley's rescue.

The Characters

Miley Cyrus has the main role of Ashley Ortiz. Cyrus is actually in her element here. The song and dance sequences, while sometimes goofy, are on point. Cyrus isn't afraid to get ugly too, in the sequences that see her wake up from her coma.

Angourie Rice is Rachel Goggins, the lonely kid who's still distanced from her older sister and harbors dreams of being a star like Ashley O. I didn't really like watching her, not sure why. Maybe it was the cringey dancing the script made her do.

Madison Davenport as Jack Goggins, Rachel's older sister. She's mean, snarky and ill-tempered, with a soft center. Her facial expressions are to die for - those looks of WTF did I just hear she throws at Rachel and Ashley Too? Such delicious disdain. Davenport outdid herself here.

Susan Pourfar as Ashley's aunt Catherine Ortiz. At the beginning, she comes across as cheerful and friendly, if a little stressed out, which makes it even more chilling when her true colors as a scheming bitch emerge.

Marc Menchaca is Rachel and Jack's dad, Kevin. He's a basement geek who tries to be a good dad after the girls' mother passed away two years ago. Well-intentioned, if a little oblivious.

Nicholas Pauling as Dr Munk, the goto guy for drugs. He's ostensibly a doctor, but this guy just feels comes across more like some kind of sleazy thug, especially later on as he's choking Jack.

James III as Jackson Hanabera, technical director, who comes up with the scheme to harvest Ashley's dreams while she's in a coma. Weird, the guy just didn't give off that kind of psycho vibe.

Daniel Stewart Sherman as Bear, security guy. Huge and menacing. I loved watching his quizzical expressions when Jack feeds him bullshit.

Jerah Milligan puts in a brief appearance as BusyG, a TV host.

The Mood

It's upbeat and bright, kind of like a Disney movie. Even as the story progresses, it doesn't ever get -that- dark. This episode has more of an adventure movie vibe going for it, and actually ends on a positive note (bad guy gets nabbed, heroine gets rescued, etc).

What I liked

The commercial Ashley's music and lyrics are corny and shallow and major cringe. It's a good contrast to the work that she actually wants to produce.

When the limiter around Ashley Too's "brain" is removed, the ensuing expletive-filled rant it goes on, is marvellous. Later on, the sarcasm-filled exchanges between Ashley Too and Jack, as well.

The entire subplot revolving around Kevin's mousetrapping technology, and how it ultimately helps in freeing Ashley Too.

And of course, that damn car!

I think the scaled-up holographic concert was pretty neat, as well.

This shot of Ashley Too at the end, turned into a punk rocker, was amusing.

What I didn't

The scenes of Rachel dancing with the encouragement of Ashley Too, are a little draggy and pretty cringey. But I suppose that was the whole point.

Watching the 15-year old character Rachel dancing to lyrics like "Oh honey kiss me up against the wall" and "I can't take it so don't you fake it" gave me the ick.

This is a minor one, but the episode title's a little lazy. It's literally just the names of the two sisters, and the doll. Somewhere along the way, someone stopped giving a fuck about catchy episode titles!

Conclusion

The series ends on a high with this one. Although, it has to be said, expectations were low after the last one. But even judged on its own merits, this episode stands strong. Even though the villains were almost cartoony, I couldn't help but enjoy myself. The plot wasn't all that original - pretty sure I've seen some variation of that story somewhere - but boy, was it an engaging hour or so.

My Rating

8 / 10

Final Thoughts on Black Mirror Series Five

The weak link in Black Mirror Series Five was undoubtedly Smithereens. And while Striking Vipers was more thematically Black Mirror, its glaring flaws hinder it significantly. Still, it did serve as a decent opening act.

Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too, conversely, has less of the feel of Black Mirror, but takes the prize due to an almost flawless execution. Or it could merely seem flawless coming right after the severely flawed Smithereens.

All in all, Black Mirror Series Five is a worthy addition to the series, though far from the best offering.

That's all for now... "go to sleep"!
T___T