See You at the Movies August, 2016
"Nerve"Review
by Mary K. Morgan
Find out what's happening in Mehlville-Oakvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Nerve (PG-13) In 2016, social media gets more press than any other form of communication, so it is not surprising that movie makers have embraced its draw. Fans of the 2010 film “Catfish” will jump at the chance to be entertained with this romantic thriller directed by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost (“Catfish”) that has all of the undertones of exposing the shallow, uncertain world that exists in the cyberspace between fantasy and reality.
Although “Nerve” is teeming with this message, its the fast action and irresistible energy that dominates the film and creates a world that you cannot ignore, even for a second. A fast ride with no airbags, the tale of two teens caught up in a dangerous pseudo-reality is based on a popular young adult novel by Jeanne Ryan.
Find out what's happening in Mehlville-Oakvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The story is a gamer's delight with real-time action streamed to smart phones and a hoard of followers. “Nerve,” the game, is a 21st century version of Truth or Dare with a touch of “Jackass” on the side. A competition, the game consists of two groups, Players and Watchers. The Watchers pay to challenge the Players who take on increasingly exciting and risky tasks. If successful, there is money, big money, deposited into their bank accounts.
Vee (Emma Roberts) is a high school senior who is anything but a risk-taker. Her best friend, Sydney, tops off the risk scale with a ten. Dared to participate in a popular game fueled by social media, Nerve, she signs on to the site as a Player.
Let the game begin. The first few dares are mild, but quickly escalate into more daring and darker deeds. Along the way she pairs with Ian (Dave Franco), a handsome thrill seeker riding a flashy black motorcycle. Way out of her comfort zone, Vee proceeds to riskier, adrenaline fueled tasks and achieves glory from the anonymous Watchers who take no responsibility for their requests of the Players or their safety.
Online voyeurism morphs into much more as the two top Players vie for top ranking. 4 Stars