Nerve (2016): Dir: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman / Cast: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Miles Heizer, Emily Meade, Juliette Lewis: The title not just references one's emotional heights, but it is the name of a sickening online game where people can either watch or participate in dares for which cash is deposited into their bank accounts if they succeed. This becomes dangerous as dares aim to riskier heights. Emma Roberts plays Venus, or Vee as her nickname says. She accepts based on the taunting of one of her friends who is popular as a result. Based on a kissing a stranger dare she ends up hooking up with Dave Franco. Together they end up running near nude through a department store. Franco drives blindfolded on a motorcycle while Vee plays his eyes and directions. They are appealing leads but much of their antics boarder on being corny and extreme. In supporting roles are Miles Heizer as Vee's male friend who is not impressed with her new daring relationship. He is a computer nerd concerned for the safety of his friend. Emily Meade plays her popular friend who feels her popularity fading when Vee's dare takes attention. This forces her into an extreme situation. Juliette Lewis is unfortunately underused as Vee's mother who works at the hospital. We learn that her brother died two years prior and that Lewis wants her to accepts a college near by. Two directors manage to sift through the lame stunts by presenting style and location work that carries a personality of its own. It takes aim at social media and everyone's obsession with everything wrong with society. Score: 8 ½ / 10
Review of Nerve
