Watching: RIM OF THE WORLD

Year: 2019
Rating: TV-14
Director: McG
Even after reading a number of other reviews, I don't understand the animosity - even hatred - some people have toward this film. Unsure of what to expect, other than a sci-fi comedy, I went in with little to no expectations and found myself having a pretty decent time with a film that in some ways reminded me of The Goonies. No, nowhere near that classic as far as script, cast or production values - but a fun, even funny misfit-kids-who-band-together-on-a-quest buddy film,with the occasional "holy crap!" moment from the aliens also on board for the ride. Rim of the World follows four loner kids - Alex the nerd (Jack Gore), ZhenZhen the too-serious quiet girl (Miya Cech), Dariush the smart mouth (Benjamin Flores Jr.) and the streetwise Gabriel (Alessio Scalzotto) - who are away at summer camp when an argument drags them all away from their campsite ... just as an alien invasion strikes. Rushing back, the foursome find they have been left behind by the fleeing camp counselors and their fellow students, but they're far from alone when part of a space capsule crashes nearby, the astronaut inside providing them with the key to stopping the invasion - if they can get it to the proper authorities in time. The arrival of a seriously large, pissed, and hungry alien prevents the kids from pondering more than running, and after their initial survival with the other-worldly creature, the rest of the film follows the bickering foursome's more than reluctant quest to save the world. Of course Rim of the World has its hokey moments (and ending), and the inevitable (not to mention unfair) comparisons to "Stranger Things" that have come up definitely haven't painted this film in its best light. But between the four young actors in the leading roles (roles that are, essentially, stereotypes helped tremendously by this cast), along with the film's often snarky and cynical humor, I stand in my shame and admit I really liked this one; going in with zero expectations left me pleasantly surprised.  8/10 stars