Mainstream

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Matthew A Lost in the Hype - Real Lost! Mainstream starts off with a promising premise, diving into the world of social media fame and its dark side. But somewhere along the way, it loses its focus, leaving us with a messy and forgettable experience. Here's what flickers briefly: Intriguing Idea: The movie tackles a relevant topic - the intoxicating and often destructive nature of online fame. First Act Sizzle: The opening sets the scene with an interesting energy, making you curious about where things might go. However, Mainstream quickly derails with these major flaws: Scattered Story: The plot takes too many sharp turns, leaving characters underdeveloped and the overall message unclear. Shallow Portrayals: The characters feel one-dimensional, existing solely to move the plot forward rather than offering any real depth. Style Over Substance: The movie prioritizes flashy visuals over a compelling narrative, leaving you feeling empty by the end. Ultimately, Mainstream is a frustrating missed opportunity. It has the potential for a thought-provoking commentary on social media, but gets bogged down in a confusing mess. If you're looking for a film that explores the dark side of internet culture, this is one to skip. At 1.5 stars, it's a lukewarm watch that might leave you checking your phone for something more engaging. It is worth watching while you are multi-tasking, but not as a sit and watch. Not really worth your time investment!!! -Matthew Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/28/24 Full Review Molly M Directed by Gia Coppola, 'Mainstream' is a cliché comedy-drama that follows three Los Angeles residents on their path to internet stardom. The 94-minute feature is yet another film that shows its viewers the overexploited dangers of technology and social media. Viewers first meet Frankie (Maya Hawke), a young woman living in West Hollywood, haunted by her father's death. She works at a mundane job bartending with her friend Jake, with no idea of what she wants to do with her life except run her struggling Youtube channel. She soon encounters charismatic stranger Link (Andrew Garfield), who intrigues Frankie with his anti-technology, anti-social media views. Frankie, Link and Jake create a Youtube channel under the name 'No One Special' that focuses around a stereotypical, narcissistic influencer played by Link. As their channel gains traction, they are catapulted into internet stardom and are soon rubbing shoulders with some of the most popular influencers in LA. However, this new perfect life doesn't last forever - Tensions arise, business slows down. But when one of 'No One Special's videos drives a girl to suicide, will it all fall down or will they relish in their newfound fame? Maya Hawke gives a profound performance in the lead role, but her chemistry with co-star Andrew Garfield can't help but fall flat. However, Garfield plays Link as the unique, energetic character he's supposed to be. Don't be alarmed if you think 'Link' bears some resemblance to Nicolas Cage; the character is based on him, who is Coppola's second cousin. Nat Wolff gives a good performance as the typical boy best friend, hopelessly in love with the female lead. Although 'Mainstream' radiates a sense of idiosyncrasy, it can't help but make use of all the stereotypical tropes viewers would've seen plenty of times before. Be it the idea that phones and social media are toxic, or the naive girl enamoured by the charismatic stranger into a whole new world, while the loyal best friend is left behind. Either way, there's a high chance you've seen a film almost identical to 'Mainstream' without even realising it. One of the few unique things about 'Mainstream' is that their fame is limited; they might be one of the biggest channels on youtube, but if you ask a Hollywood celebrity who they are, they would probably have no clue. That's the thing that grounds it into the real world, it's much harder to get famous in Hollywood than it is to get famous on social media. Autumn Durald provides 'Mainstream' with beautiful cinematography that compliments the editing to a T. The editing, courtesy of Glen Scantlebury, also coincides with the techno, contemporary aesthetic of the film. If you're looking for other films that explore and highlight the dangers of social media and technology, the 2020 documentary 'The Social Dilemma' should be on your radar. As should the comedy thriller 'Spree', which stars Hawke's Stranger Things co-star Joe Keery. Something Coppola does well is to capture internet culture in a somewhat accurate way. She includes real influencers and celebrities: including the controversial Jake Paul, Patrick Starrr and Riverdale actor Charles Melton. But as well as directing, Coppola also penned the screenplay for the film alongside Tom Stuart. The two create a brilliantly written, smooth flowing mixture of sincere, passionate moments and hilarious comedy. All in all, Gia Coppola gives viewers an above-average film that features both over-used themes as well as derivative plotlines and subplots that you've probably seen many times Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review amelia n I watched the movie despite rather harsh reviews from critics, and I can safely say that it was a great decision. A shocking portrayal of, even if maybe a little outdated and slightly exaggerated, the behind the scenes of internet stars and the consequences of their actions. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A very strong first act and a manically self deprecating performance by Garfield on par with Robin Williams in Fisher King. The movie quickly devolves in the second act into a dark and heavy handed meditation on narcissism. Disappointing considering how much Garfield and the rest of the cast bring to their roles. There are however some interesting moments and visuals through out. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member I was hoping it'd be good like Under the Silver Lake but it was pretty boring. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review gabriella b The only saving grace for this movie is Andrew Garfield's performance. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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