Mainstream

This movie caught my attention because of Andrew Garfield, who pour his everything in this somewhat of a mediocre movie. Though it had an interesting premise, the execution was just...bad. If you have one and a half hours to kill, you could check it out, but you'll surely get frustrated by the end of it.

It's honestly impressive how a movie can be so weird, yet very predictable. It all started of so simple and honestly pretty interesting. Garfield plays an outsider who is just so fascinating and entertaining to look and listen to. He is by far the best thing to come out of this as he gives more than 110%. He shows the light and fun side, but also the dark places that an internet star can go to. On the other hand, the rest of this movie is just not on his level at all. I know Maya Hawke is a very good actress, but this just wasn't it for her. Her chemistry with Garfield just wasn't there and in general her character was just very of to me. But the main problem with this movie is definitely the story. I like the message that it's trying to tell us that we should all just put our phones down and be ourselves, but it's just the execution of that message that is so wrong. The exaggeration and unrealistic moments are so bad in this movie. This is not how the internet works, and we all know that. It's kinda like are writer went on YouTube for the first time, clicked on a couple of channels, and made a movie about it. It's just too much for me. It kept me entertained enough all the way through, but it's just not that good.

First I gotta say Andrew Garfield is marvelous in this movie. His mimic and his movements are crazy and you're buying every part of his character. Maya Hawk is also good and Jason Schwartzman is solid as always. But now to the movie: the first 30 minutes started off great and I had very high expectations for the rest of the movie. It was funny, interesting and most importantly kind of making fun of influencers and social media. But then, the movie turned in another direction and was only filled with stereotypes like a 2000s high school movie. Suddenly there was only love and jealousy on the one hand, and on the other heartlessness and making big bucks. The movie could've definitely turned out better, but Andrew Garfield safed the day with his acting!

'Mainstream' was a very strange experience for me. It's one of the more unique films I've ever seen, however unique certainly doesn't always equal good. The main problem I found with the film were the characters. The type of people being portrayed - fame-seeking, do anything for money, selfish, entitled scum - aren't a lot of fun to watch, even when they are being portrayed by Andrew Garfield giving everything he has to a role.

Garfield is probably the one redeeming factor this movie has going for it. It was a strange performance to watch because I could tell he was putting it all out there and doing a great job of it, but his character was so strange and unlikeable that it almost all went to waste. Maya Hawke (daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke) on the other hand didn't have to do a whole lot for her role, but because she was the one mildly likeable character her performance came across quite well. It was a weird dynamic.

I don't think I can recommend this one. There's a world where I could see people enjoying this here and there, but for the most part people just aren't going to have a good time with this one. If you like unique and bizarre movies though then this one could be right up your alley. Otherwise stay away.

This is not a good movie. But, it is so bad, that it's almost good again. That said, Andrew Garfield is acting his heart out and he deserves all the praise he gets. Sadly on the other hand, Miss Hawke is a bit of a plank of wood who often disappears behind the otherwise stellar cast. It does seem at times that Andrew is in a better movie, a movie I'd rather be watching. It has enough crazy energy and manic scenes to make it a future Cult Classic. But alas, for now it's just an unfocused, pretentious mess of morality tale, that is way too in love with itself.