“A serviceable venture into feature film from being mere
YouTube channel.”
After a decade’s worth of amusing YouTube videos and more
than 20 million subscribers, Internet sensation Smosh finally star in their own
full-length debut. Featuring a number of other YouTube stars, Smosh: The Movie explores the value of friendship
and how embracing one’s true self brings lasting joy.
In this film, long-time best friends Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox are staying together in Ian’s parent’s house. While Anthony spends his
days delivery pizza in the neighborhood, Ian mostly waste his time watching
YouTube videos, particularly that of Butt Massage Girl who constantly flags his
comments.
High school reunion soon approaches and Anthony anticipates reconnecting
with his crush Anna. However, the two besties discover a YouTube video on their
graduation eve embarrassing to Anthony. The clip still has a few viewers and believing
that Anna has not seen it yet, they rush to the company’s headquarter. They meet
the cocky and witty Mr. Steve YouTube (Michael Ian Black) and find out about
the magic door inside his office where they can pass through and edit, if not
remove, any video in the website. Immediately, the buddies jump into the portal
and embark on an adventure inside YouTube.
Produced by Hecox and Padilla, Smosh: The Movie is written by Eric Falconer and Steve Marmel and
directed by Alex Winter. The film’s plot is relatively original and
heart-warming. It fairly succeeds in bringing out the attitude and comic style
common in Smosh video channel videos. As expected, the film is copious with
parodies, particularly giving homage to “Back to the Future” and “Tron.” The montage
of parodies during their YouTube quest is absolutely engaging as they are
intelligently dealt with, giving genuine laughs and fun. Guest appearances of
YouTube stars like Grace Helbig, Jenna Marbles and Steve Austin give more life
to these gags. The best part is perhaps the duo’s lip synching of the Pokemon
theme song, reminiscent of the original video which started their career. It is
nostalgic and bittersweet.
The early parts of the film might be dull but it later shows
some good humor. Its physical jokes, though violent at some points, is plenty
and hilarious such as the hot or cold liquids pouring on people, punches on the
faces, and the bear attacking Steve YouTube. There are also some sex jokes, specifically
about butt massage and Mr. YouTube’s “winner.” Furthermore, it has some touch of social
satire when it portrays how people hate the advertisements being played before
the YouTube video.
The biggest point of the film is its sincere concept. Without
being dramatic, it manages to convey the message of being true to oneself. We are
not measured by the kind of job we do or the price of our haircut. We are loved
because of who we really are.
Having said that, the film is not without flaws. In fact, it
fails in many departments. The script is too dull and the movie becomes alive
only halfway through it. Dialogues are cheesy and actors are amateurish. Editing is
pretty bad and the use of prop manikins and poor CGI makes the film look
cheaper. No wonder, the film is released through video-on-demand only in provider
like iTunes, Amazon, Playstation and Vudu. Price is cheaper and it is less
scrutinized by viewers and critics.
Smosh: The Movie
is a wholesome film. With not much explicit images and profanities, it is an
ideal comedy entertainment for young teenagers. However, its seemingly dry
humor and eye-pleasing yet awkward actors may not appeal to everyone. For the
fans and some slapstick lovers, the film may strike just fine.
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