Confused cautionary tale about a young office worker (Emma Watson) who is thrilled when a friend (Karen Gillan) gets her a job at the world’s leading social media company (led by founders Tom Hanks and Patton Oswalt). But the corporate culture turns out to be unsettlingly cult-like and the outfit’s stated goal of enlisting every person on the planet as a member raises troubling issues about privacy and the power of big business. The protagonist’s initial enthusiasm is also dampened by her encounters with the now-marginalized, and disenchanted, third creator of the firm (John Boyega). In adapting his co-writer Dave Eggers’ novel for the screen, director James Ponsoldt fails to insert much energy into the proceedings, and the film’s ultimate message remains unclear. While perfectly acceptable for a wide swath of grown-ups, a crucial scene probably puts this drama over the line for all but the most mature teens.
Watch out for: Brief semi-graphic marital lovemaking, some sexual humor, a few uses of profanity, at least one rough term, several crude and a couple of crass words.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA: PG-13
