10 Surprisingly Great Movies From Summer 2016

8. Nerve

Star Trek Beyond Pete S Dragon Lights Out
Lionsgate

What We Expected: A trashy tech-thriller which casts 20-something actors as unconvincing teenagers while delivering laughably outdated, trite social commentary on the smartphone generation.

What We Got: It's definitely rough around the edges, but Nerve is also a surprisingly on-point thriller about the dangerous potential of modern technology, feeling very much of-the-moment while delivering solid lead performances from Emma Roberts and Dave Franco (even if, yes, they are hilariously aged out of their roles).

A lot of the credit goes to Catfish directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who are clearly well-acquainted with modern tech and translate that through to the movie's flashy style superbly, aided by a pulsing synth score and beautiful neon cinematography.

Even during its sillier moments this one's an absolute blast and has the early makings of a cult classic. Wait and see.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.