RIM OF THE WORLD, Netflix original (Mini review)

ROTW is exactly what you'd expect from a "kids save the world from an alien invasion" movie. It is unrealistic, bombastic, cliched, a mixed bag, and still a lot of fun.

Summer camp has barely begun when aliens suddenly invade the planet. In a campground once teeming with people, four misfit teens are unexpectedly entrusted with a key that carries the secret to stopping the invasion. Without any adults or electronics to help guide the way, it's clear what they must do: band together, conquer their fears and save the world.

The acting is okay for this type of thing and somewhat derivative as the characters are typical cliche kids from a hundred other films. The nerd, the bad boy, the quiet asian, outspoken rich kid. CGI was far from excellent but passable while the plot was yet another unoriginal grind. Despite the characters stereotype limbo, they were fairly likable and the action ensued smoothly at a decent clip.

My biggest issue is that the whole thing seemed ready to collapse under its own weight. Loads of stereotypes, cliches, unoriginal mish mashes lump together with some cheesy camp, decent effects, uncomfortable innuendo involving kids, entertaining action, etc. They threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink in this one and in this case it probably benefitted the film as to making the glaring flaws not so finely detailed. Big plus: Annabeth Gish as Alex's mom was a huge boon for me. She is always fab.

Final summary: You could do a lot worse and my recommendation is to go into this one with low expectations and tongue in cheek attitude. Despite the multitude of cliches and tropes, Rim of the World was still enjoyed by my entire family if for nothing else than what it was. Cheesy fun and 100 minutes worth of entertainment.

Scores:

Jimmy: 3/5

Momma: 3.5/5

Michael: 3.75/5

Connor: 3.5/5

Logan: 4/5