I really wanted to like this movie. I’m a big Sam Rockwell fan, ever since Galaxy Quest. Even when the movie he is in isn’t great, he is still fun to watch. So, did I like the movie? Not especially.
The heavy handed approach to condemning everything that is bad about social media was a great idea, and watching the film with teenagers, I do believe the message got across to those I watched the film with. The flashback scenes to a day in the life of the terrified faculty members of a high school were delightful.
Sam Rockwell’s over-the-top performance was distracting. A more subtle costume might have helped rather than distract from the story.
At times I got the sense that the writers and director had a great “big idea” but their execution left me wanting at times.
The biggest distraction of all, for me, was the chronic use of the F-bomb. It might have been the most heavily used word in the entire movie. Why? Did it add to the story? Did it express extreme excitement or horror? No. I challenge the writers on this one. You could have done a better job with better dialog.
Am I glad I watched the movie? Yes. The satire revolving social media misuse was powerful. Would I watch it again? No. If the language weren’t so offensive I would show this to Junior High students or even Middle School students for the message. But the language totally distracted and turned me off from the film.