Amari-Sali
Trigger Warning(s): Drug UseCharacters Worth NotingKrystal (Sarah Hyland) | Ethan (Graham Phillips) | Tariq (Brett DelBuono) | Shannie (Hayley Kiyoko) | Ray (Colin Woodell) | Neil (Chris D'Elia)Main Storyline Ethan is barely out of high school, but thanks to him having a EDM track go viral on YouTube, and thanks to his amateur manager/ best friend Tariq, he is going to part of the XOXO music festival. Though problems arise as Tariq is asked by his dad to work extra shifts, forcing Ethan to make the journey alone. Then there is an issue of getting in since Tariq didn't give Ethan credentials. But, thankfully, a couple named Shannie and Ray offer one of their tickets. Leading to the couple who are avoiding a conversation about their future forced to address the issues. But while Ethan ventures toward his set, and Tariq tries to venture toward the venue, there is also Neil who is trying to confront his past in which his attempt to get into the music scene was abruptly halted. Leaving us with a film which is essentially about how music not only brings people together but heals old wounds.{Commentary}Now, before I make it seem this movie is the best thing out there, let me be upfront and let you know this isn't like a 5-star movie. The main characters are all likable, cute and weird, and for the most part, are given flaws and something that can hook you, but they aren't overly complicated. Like Ethan and Tariq, for example. Ethan wants to be a DJ and his friend Tariq his manager. Just saying that, it may lead you to think of that Zac Efron movie which came and went. However, there is more to Ethan and Tariq than their desire to be in music. Granted, it isn't huge, but it can maybe get you emotional. Take Ethan. In his pursuit of music, doing mostly EDM tracks without vocals, he becomes famous for this one track. However, for this EP he is trying to make, he is using his mom's vocals. Something she is excited about because when she gave birth to Ethan, I believe around 18, she gave up on her dreams of becoming a singer. So this gift he is giving her, reviving her dreams and having her come along on this ride he is on, is sweet to the point of tears. Tariq even has a bit of a sob story too. His dad is a Lebanese immigrant and of course, he has that mentality of Tariq having stable work, taking over the family business, and Tariq feels a bit guilty for wanting to pursue his own dreams instead of continuing his father's, especially due to cultural reasons. And with those two, and the dreams and fears of the others, you get much more than you expect you would.Like, just to wrap up this commentary bit, the topic of love is a strong focus when it comes to Krystal, Neil, and Sammie/ Ray's story-line. Neil had something he loved stolen from him and he became an utter shell because of it. Then with Sammie and Ray, they are such a cute couple, but they are a cute young couple. One in which adulthood is approaching and with Sammie soon to be on a different coast, seeing the possible breakdown of their relationship was just hard. For while, again, no one is winning Oscars here, seeing these lovable weird people on the brink of heartbreak affects you. Even when it comes to Krystal, who spends most of the time in the movie with her annoying friends in pursuit of this guy she never met. Hyland's big Diana Ross like eyes make it so you are hoping this love she believes in she'll find by the movie's end. For, pretty much, no matter the character, and even with the very little we learn about them, before the movie is over all you want is to see them fall back in love with music and all the feelings music brings.HighlightsUsually, I want a massive amount of details about characters for I assume that is what is needed in order to connect with them. However, with this film that wasn't necessary. In the film, you get either a person's motivation or we learn of a major issue in their life. From there, we watch them struggle to reach the happiness the festival can bring them and then it is over. Yet, despite a simple formula, the movie gets you hooked on these characters and even without taking a single drug, you get this peaceful, happy, and loving vibe watching them pursue their own individual, or group, happiness. Low PointsIf a person were to watch this movie and judge it with comparisons, or high expectations, in their brain, I can foresee them not thinking much of the film. While I enjoy the simplicity, others may say this movie is just about flashing lights, some generic sounding EDM music, and a weak plot spread thin between a bunch of characters. On The FenceAgain, while I like the simplicity, another thing which could bring negative vibes is that while most of the cast are facing something serious, be it broken dreams, the possibility of losing someone you love, and things of that nature, Krystal's plot is a bit weak in comparison. She is trying to meet a boy, someone who she makes out to be her soul mate, while everyone else is dealing with stuff which will majorly effect their life. So, I can imagine some feeling Krystal got off easy and didn't get real problems.
shotglassanhero
I've been to my fair share of raves but I never understood 'PLUR' lifestyle. It seems like a capitalistic and vapid culture. And I'd be hard pressed not to admit that a majority of artists follow suit. And many concerts are just an excuse to take drugs, dance like a crazy person, and possibly get intimate with strangers. But before I go on a tangent on rave culture, lets decipher this movie. Do you enjoy films riddled with clichés? I mean constant ad naussiem clichés one after another. Here are some you will experience: The un-offensive popular new kid on the block that made it a big debut online, the over-exaggeration effects of drug use, disappointed father who doesn't believe in his son's potential, vapid slutty 'squad' chicks that are less than one-dimensional, jaded "true fan" that is holding on to the past but breaks free of his cynicism/nihilism, couple that is breaking apart due to relationship problems going to an event for a last hurrah, girl who believes in true love against all odds gets bogged down by the truth (but ends up with the right person).... Etc. This is mixed with repulsive story elements. It's sets up a storyline of multiple perspectives with awfully written dialogue. Among all these people in the film the plot is stretched to thin to tell a story or make any good point. Every modern convention of film is shoved into this piece of garbage and even if some would work in another better film, the execution is the problem. Is this an advertisement for xoxo fest? It certainly feels that way from all the music and awkward crowd shots. The best part is when the couple decide to go down into a sewer to get into the sold out festival. Probably because they get covered in poop which is a good metaphor for what this film is.Nothing seems to be redeeming about this movie. It's predicable, vapid, has no real point to make, and doesn't even have a memorable scene. This is starting to prove that Netflix will cut corners and shove any material out there is see if it sticks. It's certainly cheaper than hiring good talent or purchasing already good content to stream. Stay away from the sewage stained garbage.
roguecritic42
I'm someone who spent their youth in the rave scene. I've loved movies like Go, Groove, and Midsummers Night Rave. But now I have a new favorite. A contemporary rave movie that really hits home with the modern day scene, but what is so much more than that, this is genuinely a beautiful romantic comedy, about friendship and love.There is so much reality to this movie about the spirit of the scene, great acting, superb soundtrack, and a well put together story.I don't understand the low rating on IMDb, but who cares. If you have the heart of raver, you'll really get this movie. If not, maybe you'll love it too.I laughed so often during this movie, but what really shows the power of screen writing, was it's ability to bring me to tears at least 5 or 6 times during the story. What an amazing movie, it's like they got everything right that its predecessors missed (Go, Groove, etc). I give it 10 out of 10 because I'm a big fan of rom-com, but the set of the movie and soundtrack really throws it over the top to make it an all-time favorite of mine. Yea, you are not going to see Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, or whoever the Oscar winners are. So don't confuse my rating with one of those huffy-puffy Oscar award type level movies. No, instead, this was a movie that hit home for me, and I loved every second of it. My only complaint, is it wasn't long enough.I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
