MOVIE REVIEWS - Various Out Now

Nerve 

This is a very interesting movie that has come out to very little fanfare, but is not a bad night at the flicks. This is a fictional story about an interactive video game called Nerve.  It seems a quick way to make money if you do the "dares" that you are challenged to do as a "player."  Then the "watchers" follow the players, and drive the game.  The more followers you get as a player, the more you can make and the more your popularity soars. But there are problems.

The game becomes a mind control and life controlling entity that makes it impossible for you to get out of it, unless you win it outright.  It is an identity stealing, harsh game that is driven by the watchers desire to see more and more graphic and live content.

This is good original story and a nice performance from our star Emma Roberts who is becoming more of a star all the time.  It showcases, certainly in an extreme form, the public's appetite for fame, voyeurism, greed, and the need for acceptance in social media. Very topical, and a real eye opener, and this could be the precursor to actual events in the future.  Well done.

Bad Moms

This is an all star cast of many of today's most popular female Hollywood stars in a parody of being a mom in today's very difficult environment.  This has been referred to as the "Hangover" for girls and for the most part it is true.  This is a hard R rated movie that shows a group of moms, who have had it with the politically correct world they are forced to live in, while raising young children.  And for the most part, there are some really good laughs here.

But in addition to the laughs, there are also gaffs.  This is a good idea that veers off the tracks at times and goes a bit too far, drifting into areas that are no longer funny.  But they don't wreck the ship. There is a bit too much harsh language and a few too many redundant scenes, but this is a good day, especially a group of women to go together and laugh out loud.  Kudos too, to Kristen Bell, who is really funny in her supporting role.  Easily the funniest thing I have ever seen her do.

Bad Moms. Target audience will LOVE this!

scott@wqmx.com