Opened: October 1, 2014

Directed by: Jason Reitman

Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Emma Thompson, Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Crocicchia, Kaitlyn Dever, Ansel Elgort, Katherine Hughes, Elena Kampouris, Will Peltz, Travis Tope, David Denman, Dennis Haysbert & J.K. Simmons

Though director Jason Reitman creates a modern piece about the dangers of a social world in a small town, his commitment to go to the extremes takes away from what could have been a more compelling film.

High school students navigate the world of social media with their parents hanging over their shoulder. While Tim (Ansel Elgort) and Brandy (Kaitlyn Dever) are trying to cultivate a real, in-person connection, Brandy’s overbearing mom Patricia (Jennifer Garner) hinders their interactions.

This film has an insanely talented cast with recognizable faces, but many of their talents seem to go to waste with little character development or backstories. Garner’s stiff and emotionless mother never gets an explanation of why she’s that way. However, Elgort, Dever and Judy Greer all have their time to shine in the few roles with depth.

Final say: Needlessly overdramatic. ★★☆☆☆