Set in Upstate New York, the story's key figures are Katelyn (Hagner), a teen who believes that fame is an inherent right, and her father Dave (Walsh), who is pushed into unexpected prominence when he complains to the town council about their shoddy service. Swirling around them are another teen (Cherry) who also believes he has the talent to make it big and has a crush on Katelyn, and three hipster bloggers from New York (Adomian, Cenac and Walters) who descend on Dave in the hopes that his cause boosts their profile.

Yes, everyone in this film wants to get noticed, and no one wants to do the work (making a sex tape is considered a job). It's all a bit caustic and obvious, and scenes play out without much sense of momentum, but the brave actors make the most of the witty, telling dialog. All of the performances are lively and amusing, with moments of shadowy emotion behind the shouty bravado. These are people who have a warped sense of their own importance and believe that talking about whatever is cool at the moment is the best way to define themselves.

Yes, the film carries an important kick. Cross drifts from character to character, making the film feel like a series of shorts about various aspects of pop culture. The way the plot threads intertwine feels rather contrived, but combines to create a bigger picture of a society that simply can't grasp the the true nature of celebrity, including the viral kind. So even without much structure, the circuitous screenplay is packed with hilarious observations and telling honesty.

As the mayhem escalates, the film's commentary begins to feel increasingly angry and strident. Still, this is an important satire about media obsession, "based on a true story that hasn't happened yet". For these people, you don't earn fame, you demand it. Real issues like uncollected rubbish and potholes in the street are ignored because they aren't sexy and don't help officials win re-election campaigns.

themes, language, sexuality

27.Apr.14 slf