Nerve

'Nerve' is one of those films that quietly went under the radar at the cinema, but seem to catch on via word of mouth.

Truth is it's a decent film, inspired by a YA book. It also acts as a vehicle for up and coming talents such as Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, who both give good performances.

Roberts in particular shines in every scene, and it is her character of Vee who goes through the biggest journey throughout.

The plot doesn't hold up to much scrutiny, but it is an action packed film, that proves entertaining.

If you can stomach the fact that it's really just people doing lots of irresponsible things then you'll enjoy the film. Parents thinking of letting their teens watch it should be wary though.

Vee Delmonico (Emma Roberts) is excited to be accepted to a college in California. She is concerned about leaving her mother (Juliette Lewis) behind in Staten Island after a family tragedy. Her best friend Sydney (Emily Meade) shows her an underground internet game called Nerve. Participants are divided between players and watchers. Players do dares for money and watchers pay to watch the players on their 24 hour adventures. After being embarrassed by Sydney, Vee decides to play. Her first dare is to kiss a stranger and she picks Ian (Dave Franco). They are then dared to partner up on an exciting journey into the city.

The premise, the style, and the actors make a fun, thrilling action adventure in the city. There are little problems that can be overlooked for the most part. The conclusion is key and it does certain things to wrap it all up too neatly. It takes the fun dark web idea and slaps on a Hollywood ending. Overall, it was fun while it lasted.

It's not a terrible film it may be predictable and a little out there, but for what it is, it being a movie for young drama fantasy loving teens it's pretty good. If your the previously mentioned targeted audience there's a good chance you'll like the movie. 7/10.

I really don't understand all the horrible reviews for this movie. Its goal is obviously to be a mindless entertaining thrill ride, and to me it is succeeding. The direction fits the energetic nature of the plot, the actors are doing a great job (excluding Machine Gun Kelly who is clearly not an actor), and the writing may not be exceptional but it does the job. For sure there are some plot holes and overly cheesy elements but it usually comes with the territory for that kind of movie and this is one of the milder offenders. Personal plus: the whole soundtrack is fantastic and right up my alley!

If you consider the concept only, it could have been a decent film, if it were more along the lines of the manga, Dead Tube, it could have further potential. With the first act, it seemed to be okay, if you ignore the poor aspects the overall set up is good, when the moral matters are brought up the message is overly played, really pushing a message, whereas if you took the concept to Dead Tube, you could have a successful message if not so on the nose, a message played through the events and what is seen rather than the ending that is given. Much of the overall film feels as though something exciting is about to happen but is unfortunately lost to draw in viewers to the the message the film and studio try to push. It is unfortunate this is a missed opportunity, the cast were also an issue in that they were selected for attracting a younger audience. If we had unknown actors, with a darker plot we could be left with something that makes the viewer consider what they have witnessed compared to the message that is painfully spelled out.