Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones (2026): Cast, Story

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones profiles the filmmaker whose 16-mm camera documented Newfoundland’s cultural renaissance and the comic energy of CODCO. Featuring previously unseen footage and appearances by Mary Walsh, Cathy Jones and Rick Mercer, the documentary revisits an important chapter in Canadian comedy history.

Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones is a 2026 Canadian documentary about filmmaker Mike Jones and the role his camera played in capturing Newfoundland’s cultural renaissance. The film centers on his work with 16-mm film and his connection to the place he documented.

Directed and written by Justin Simms, with Deanne Foley also credited as a writer, the documentary includes never-before-seen footage connected to CODCO. Mary Walsh, Cathy Jones and Rick Mercer are among the figures featured in this account of Newfoundland’s distinctive contribution to Canadian comedy.

Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones movie details

Story without spoilers

The documentary follows Mike Jones, described as a renegade filmmaker who worked with little more than a 16-mm camera and a deep affection for Newfoundland. Its focus is his documentation of the comedic chaos surrounding CODCO, the influential Newfoundland comedy group referenced in the film’s synopsis.

Rather than presenting a fictional narrative, Smash & Grab uses archival material and featured appearances to revisit a period of cultural change. The film’s central subject is the way Jones’s filmmaking helped record a local creative movement and preserve a chapter of Canadian cultural history.

What to expect

As a documentary, the film is built around nonfiction storytelling rather than scripted drama. Viewers can expect an exploration of Mike Jones’s filmmaking, Newfoundland’s cultural renaissance and the history associated with CODCO. The supplied description also points to previously unseen footage and contributions from Mary Walsh, Cathy Jones and Rick Mercer.

The film’s stated tone is joyful, with its subject matter combining cultural history, regional identity and comedy. Its 82-minute runtime suggests a focused portrait of Jones and the period his work documented.

Cast and creative team

Justin Simms directed Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones and shares writing credit with Deanne Foley. The documentary features Mary Walsh, Cathy Jones and Rick Mercer, along with additional contributors described in the supplied synopsis.

Release and production context

Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones is a Canadian production from ONF | NFB. It is in English and has a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. The supplied release date is September 21, 2026, and the film is listed as released.

Production companies: ONF | NFB

Movies Dock view

Smash & Grab: The Rebel Lens of Mike Jones offers a nonfiction look at a filmmaker whose 16-mm work helped document Newfoundland’s cultural and comedic history. Its emphasis on Mike Jones, CODCO and previously unseen footage gives the film a clearly defined archival and regional focus.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb