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.
Netflix's latest original film has been the talk of the town since the trailer was released thanks to the whole Stranger Things meets Independence Day look of the film. What the trailer didn't really convey properly, however, was the target demographic of the film, because this is definitely written more for the younger ones. Rim of the World is a good old-fashioned coming-of-age flick with a sci-fi tinge to it.
It's reminiscent of the films that were commonplace in the 80s and 90s and even goes as far as to apply saturated colour filters creating an (albeit inauthentic Instagram-like) retro look. If this were released 20 years ago I would have loved it.
The four main characters do quite well for children actors, and while the dialogue certainly feels a little forced and out of place at times, this pales in comparison to the treatment that the adults involved in the film get. Every adult is an absolute caricature and one-dimensional character. The children, on the other hand, are an ethnically diverse cast each with their own character arc that acts as a connection between them.
The action scenes are actually quite well done. With the exception of a really obvious line stunt near the start of the film, and some pretty inconsistent physics at times, the action choreography is fast-paced and looks authentic.
And just like that, I've run out positive things to say about the film. Mainly because this film isn't directed at me. Granted, it does try at times, but this is for young teen audiences. As far as mature audiences are concerned, the dialogue is bad (with some very noticeable ADR at times), and includes many one-liners and pop culture references that already feel dated. The writers tried to add some dark aspects into the backstories of the characters, but largely nothing comes from it, and it really messes with the tone of the film. It switches from an incredibly destructive and violent action sequence to a scene including a makeover and dance along to a 17-year old hip-hop track.
The CGI comes across as quite dated and cheap. That being said, you do get used to it after a while (the great power of suspension of belief at work). With a design that looks like a cheap xerox of the horrendous design of the latest Predator reboot.
What is a little more noticeable is how the budget has otherwise hampered the visual style of the film. It all comes back to when I mentioned a sci-fi "tinge"; the aliens are not really all that present considering it's an alien invasion. They also only seem to have the goal of keeping the protagonists moving. Much like the big boulder in Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, except it lasts throughout the entire film.
Rim of the World is inconsistent in many ways that would very well make the more mature viewer decide to watch something else. Dark backstories, strong violence, suggestive phrases, and expletives are not enough to make this engaging. If you are just after a fun flick to switch your brain off and watch on a Saturday night with some popcorn, this is fine. It's fun, and it's inconsequential, poking fun where it can, and will undoubtedly get a couple laughs out of you, even if you can predict half of the dialogue word-for-word.
An average film, but it has a nice youthful energy to it.