Under the Influencer

Taylor was fantastic, energetic, sympathetic, romantic and lovable. The theme is timely and the story unique and multifaceted. Kept my attention throughout. The pace of the film changed in ways that fit with the storyline and didn't seem forced. Sometimes a comedy, sometimes tragic, sometimes romantic and ultimately redemptive. Characters are believable, acting is wonderful. Like a good book, I wish I'd be able to keep track of the characters in the future, it's that good. Hoping for a sequel. Been wondering when it will be in more venues, and in general release. Left feeling fulfilled and satisfied. Can't wait to see it again.

What a cool and unique movie with a real perspective on its subject. UNDER THE INFLUENCER is a breath of fresh air. Influencers and influencer culture is often the butt of jokes in modern movies and TV, but writer/director Alex Haughey, star Taylor Scorse, and their talented crew find the funny, real human emotions underneath the glossy veneer. TikTok/Social Media culture rarely gets such a thoughtul examination in long-form media, let alone a good and interesting take on the subject. UNDER THE INFLUENCER is funny, engaging, and unpredictable with a cool POV on its core premise and characters. Go watch it if you like good things!

This movie was actually pretty good. The story is more about the main character's development and arc instead of just focusing on an unrealistic romance. You can tell the budget is similar to the Hallmark movies, but somebody actually read the script before funding it. I won't get into spoilers but there are some twists and turns in the story that keep things interesting, but not in a bad way. It still delivered the standard romcom fare that my wife likes, but it repackaged it with some new elements that made it a solid watch for me. If you don't love romcoms but want to get some brownie points with your wife, recommend this movie to watch on your next date night.

I almost didn't watch this movie. There are only 10 reviews and many of those are glowing "10" reviews that don't say much, I suspect from the filmmakers and their friends, just to pump up the IMDb rating. However there are a couple of legitimate user reviews, plus external reviews, which say it is an entertaining and worthwhile movie.

And it is, very much so. Tori is a successful influencer, she started when she was 15 and was a big hit, especially with the teenage girls. Financially successful enough to hire a personal assistant and a producer for her videos. Now, ten years later and 25, her content is barely relevant. She has failed to change with the times. Her following is dwindling, as is her income.

This is a real issue in the real world, over the past few years I have watched people on my topics of interest (e.g. Whiskey reviews) start out as a hobby, realize there is money to be made, quit their day jobs, then feel the pressure to get more frequent content posted so they can get more clicks so they can generate more revenue. Many of them fail and give up.

So this movie is about the transition Tori must make, not only to keep herself relevant but also to grow as a person. And one way she does this is to expand her interest in song writing and singing.

No, this is not a "10" movie, if you compare it to other fine movies, but it is a good and entertaining movie with a relevance to today's world where so many people want to become "influencers" and make their living that way.

At home on DVD from my public library.

A new angle into the social media narrative and celebrity culture. Digs deeper than you'd expect from the premise. The lead girl holds the whole thing together. Her performance is hilarious, heartfelt, and human. She showed so many different sides of her character, who takes a real turn toward the end of the film.

I really enjoyed the music throughout. Excited to hear more from these creators.

Lots of experimental camera work and coloring which is intentional but at times distracting from the performances. Ultimately cathartic. Watch the credits for Becca's Bop.

Keeping my eyes peeled for Taylor Scorse 👀