Film Review: Nerdland

Find out what we think of Titmouse’s full-length debut film before it hits theaters tomorrow!

In the animated realm, there’s certainly no shortage of adult-oriented films and shows. From dark anime like Ninja Scroll to comedic series like South Park, and even raunchy flicks including Sausage Party it’s a surprisingly rich sub-genre. 2016 comedy Nerdland stars Paul Rudd and Patton Oswalt as best friends Elliot (Oswalt) and John (Rudd). It’s a refreshingly thoughtful satire with superb animation, excellent acting, and poignant message.

Best friends John and Elliot are aspiring film stars. While John wishes to advance his acting career, Elliot seeks his big break into screenwriting. Reality is a bit different. Elliot spends his days engrossed more in sexual fantasy than writing, and John is a journalist with a theater concessions publication. With his 3oth birthday imminent, John notes that the roommates and best pals need to reevaluate their lives. “When you are in your 20s being an aimless loser is forgiven, it’s even encouraged,” he muses. But 30? Not so much. Battling failed careers and illusions of grandeur, the pair tries zany idea after zany idea in an attempt to achieve fame or infamy.

Nerdland is exceptionally funny, but while there is some crude humor and some gross-out moments, both are rather subtle. The true laughs, as well as pensive reflection, derive from the societal message. Set in Hollywood, the message of superficiality isn’t necessarily new, but the medium is unique. A strong message of consumerism prevails, with a hint of They Live laden throughout.

News and the media are constantly lampooned. Lol WTFTube is the thinly veiled YouTube stand in. Newsworthiness is shaped by the public, and John comments “What does the depraved American citizenry want? All things lurid…” He ultimately concludes that “it’s not fame we need, it’s infamy.” Andrew Walker (Se7en) crafts a masterful screenplay. The dialogue all around is solid, but the banter between Elliot and John is what shines.

Walker and director Chris Prynoski exceptionally portray both visually and verbally weighty topics. There’s a theme of depression and depravity, with most characters being lowlifes to some degree. Sally (Kate Micucci) and Linda (Riki Lindhome) play the elitist and shallow employees in what’s likely based on Urban Outfitters. John and Elliot are repeatedly shunned by Linda and Sally.

While the screenplay is solid, it’s the acting that makes Nerdland a huge success. Rudd and Oswalt steal the show with their natural chemistry. But a wonderful cast talent surrounds them, bolstering the performance. Hannibal Buress assumes The King, owner of Kollectables Kingdom, while Molly Shannon has a bit part credited simply as “Business Woman.”

The animation further bestows a dark tone. Characters and settings appear visually grotesque. The mostly 2D (a few scenes delve into 2.5D) feels like a demented version of Ed, Edd n Eddy. Elliot and John’s apartment is a filthy mess with underwear on the ceiling fan and heaps of garbage lying around. However, the real trash is around them, in society.

Although Nerdland is riotously funny and tragic, the message isn’t entirely unique. There’s no shortage of films and television that depicts the hollowness of society. Just look at Se7en which Walker also worked on the screenplay for. Cabin in the Woods probed the participant audience with a meta twist. Nerdland, unfortunately, doesn’t  deliver a new take on society’s shallowness.

However Nerdland does a lot well, and its unique animation and acting-screenplay combo help it overcome a somewhat stale commentary. In the age of Pixar, the old school looking visuals are a breath of fresh air. So too is the balance between side-splittingly funny sequences and cringe-worthy gross-outs or tragic depressing moments. These elements ultimately make Nerdland a superb comedy-drama.