Release to Netflix on May 24, “Rim of the World” is yet another story about kids saving the day. It shows that with every single issue that teenagers face, from dysfunctional families to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, working together can solve any problem.
Alex, played by Jack Gore, must stop an apocalyptic alien invasion after being deserted at summer camp. He is not alone, though; with him are ZhenZhen (Miya Chen), Dariush (Benjamin Flores Jr.) and Gabriel (Alessio Scalzotto). The travel travel across southern California, facing several dire decision and trials, to get to a NASA lab. These kids hold their only way to stop the invasion and destroy the Mothership.
The movie starts off a bit rocky, but it seems to have been all part of the plan. The camp counselors were so aloof and narcissistic that they treated the campers terribly, even leaving some behind when the world began to end. Seeming unimportant plot lines and minuscule details come back up by the end of the movie.
However, at one point there is a completely unnecessary, slow-mo dance sequence to “Hot in Herre” by Nelly. It seemed as though Adidas sponsored the entire scene .
To add to that, the featured alien and its canine counter part seem familiar and viewers who have watched “Stranger Things,” another Netflix original, may even say it looks like the Demogorgon and Demodog.
The whole film is filled with references either mocking the current state of living or the science fiction community. It is an extremely eye opening comedic satire, exposing the human need for technological communications and lack of independent survival skills. Each of the kids has their own set of assets. Alex is an antisocial brainiac; ZhenZhen is a brave and independent leading female; Dariush starts off as self-centered but turns out to be self-sacrificing; and lastly there is Gabriel, the caring and considerate “bad boy”.
Over all, the movie is a simple buddy-comedy that tried a bit too hard. It is still enjoyable and can give a good amount of laughter and tears.