Jerry is a junkyard worker who attempts to sabotage a power plant that he believes is melting his brain. When his plan goes awry, the magnetic field that he created accidentally erases all of the videotapes in a local video store where his best friend Mike works. Fearing that the mishap will cost Mike his job, the two friends team up to keep the store's only loyal customer - a little old lady with a tenuous grasp on reality - from realising what has happened by recreating and re-filming every movie that she decides to rent!

"Be Kind Rewind" tells a story that is as old as time: old ways and practices making way for the new in the name of development, and a group of chimerical idealists who want to preserve their old building/business/shop/what have you by trying to stop the steamrollers of progress.

A small VHS-only video store faces foreclosure in a poor community. Jerry (Jack Black) is a junkyard worker who attempts to sabotage a power plant he suspects of causing his headaches, and in the process, his brain becomes magnetised. While his friend Mike (Mos Def) watches the video store for the owner Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover), Jerry accidentally erases all of the tapes with his newly acquired magnetic abilities. In order to keep their blunder from becoming apparent, the duo begin remaking the films themselves using homemade special effects and outdated filming techniques in order to keep the store's one loyal customer, an old lady, happy.

When the pair re-creates "Ghostbusters" for her (starring themselves and Jerry's mechanic in various roles), they are of course found out, but instead of getting in trouble, word of mouth spreads like wildfire and they become overnight celebrities, inundated with requests to make "sweded" (customised) versions of films for the other customers. The pair recreates a long line of films including "The Lion King", "Rush Hour", "Driving Miss Daisy", "Boyz In The Hood" and "Robocop", casting themselves and their townspeople in it. They then become the biggest stars in their neighbourhood, and try to use their newfound fame to stop the video store from being closed down.

Similar to the "sweded" movies that the characters Mike and Jerry film, "Rewind" itself is shot in an indie-style as a homage to filmmaking that adds charm while reminding audiences that it doesn't take itself too seriously. This cinematic style also strikes a chord with anyone who has ever made a short film or home video, taking them back to the fun and excitement of seeing the product of your own efforts. The process the characters go through to shoot their movies is hilarious, from the improvised costumes and props, to the makeshift sets and amateur special effects employed. Truly, it would inspire anyone to try their hand at amateur filmmaking and make those who have already attempted it laugh with recognition.

The acting was good all-round, but Jack Black was a tad annoying. His character is the kind of person that makes you wonder how he even has any friends. Mos Def, whose day job is a rapper, does pretty well as goody-goody video store worker Mike. However, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow and Melonie Diaz are the ones who truly shine in their roles, with the emotional and downhearted Mr. Fletcher, the eccentric and loyal Miss Falewicz and the charming and hardworking Alma respectively. The three of them make the movie all the more enjoyable with their portrayals.

The biggest complaint I have is the fact that "Rewind" tends to build up momentum and then abruptly stop, leaving the audience with a hanging, puzzled kind of feeling. Examples: the incident where Jerry tries sabotaging the power plant and ends up with a magnet for a brain. Once he and Mike discover how the videos get erased, Jerry seems to forget his mission to destroy the power plant all too easily. Later, Mike is jealous that Jerry and Alma are always in the "sweded" films together and complains to Alma, thereby setting up a scene where a romantic relationship between the two appears to be blossoming. Suddenly, something more urgent takes place and all this is conveniently forgotten and never explained, with no romance in sight for the rest of the film. Also, they do not make use of Jerry's magnetic ability to the fullest. So much more fun and laughter could have been derived from it (imagine a "Star Wars" version where Jerry could play a Jedi by using his magnetic power to pull items to him), but once again it seems to be yet another thing they hastily let go of.

Still, "Be Kind Rewind" is a well-executed comedy that is adorable without being kitsch and meaningful without being sombre. It is quite a feel-good flick too, so if you are in need of a warm and fuzzy feeling, this would be worth a look.