Movie Review: "Going Viral" – A Nostalgic Dive into the 1980s with a Modern Twist
I was ecstatic when I found out we’d be chatting with movie icon Corey Feldman on The 80s and 90s Uncensored about his role in the new film Going Viral. The publicists graciously provided a “private viewing” link, and I was determined to make it a memorable experience. So, out came the mini popcorn machine, frosty mugs of root beer, dimmed lights, and cranked-up sound. My teen son joined me for what turned out to be a delightful retro-modern movie night.
Directed by Vincent Vittorio, Going Viral unfolds in an alternate 1980s where everyone wields a Game Boy-inspired device called a “V-TV.” It’s the ultimate gadget for making videos, collecting likes, and chasing popularity. The story follows 15-year-old geeky skateboarder Beckett O’Connell (Shea Pritchard), whose dream of becoming V-TV famous is fueled by his crush on the popular Hope (Aline O’Neill). But Beckett’s meteoric rise comes at a cost. After striking a deal with the enigmatic Mr. Viral (Louis Labovitch), a Max Headroom-esque villain, Beckett’s life spirals out of control. When Mr. Viral enslaves Beckett’s goofy best friend Jay (Matt Alea) and others in a sinister virtual world, it’s up to Beckett, his overlooked yet resourceful friend Carly (Alexis Moscoso), and the mysterious V-TV master Samurai (Corey Feldman) to save the day.
Watching this movie with my teen son was a joy, largely thanks to the abundance of 1980s nostalgia Easter eggs peppered throughout the film. Every few minutes, I found myself exclaiming things like, “That’s a Pac-Man lamp!” or “Yep, wood-paneled walls were real,” and “Look, it’s a Top Gun poster!” My son was equal parts entertained and amused by my commentary, which added a layer of fun to the experience.
Beyond the nostalgia, the movie is a loving homage to classic 1980s teen movie tropes. Here are just a few it leans into with playful intentionality:
The geeky boy pining for the popular girl, only to become popular himself through questionable means.
The bratty, cooler-than-thou sibling.
The comic relief best friend, inevitably sidelined or endangered as the boy climbs the social ladder.
The overlooked female friend who’s clearly the better match but can’t admit her feelings.
The bully rival, with conflicts resolved not by words or fists but through a skill-based showdown.
The inevitable realization that popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, prompting the boy to seek guidance from a mentor to set things right.
For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, or simply have a soft spot for the era, Going Viral is a blast. It captures the charm and optimism of 1980s teen movies, a refreshing contrast to today’s often cynical takes on youth culture. At the same time, the film’s commentary on social media’s obsession with likes and the dangers of AI enslavement gives it a timely edge that resonates with today’s teens.
At its core, Going Viral is a heartfelt love letter to the movies and pop culture of the 1980s. As someone who runs a retro-nostalgia website, how could I not appreciate that? Most importantly, it got my son off his phone and spending quality time with me for the evening—no small feat in today’s digital age.
If you’re ready to take a trip back in time, Going Viral is available to stream on Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, and Hoopla. Pop some popcorn, grab a frosty mug, and enjoy the ride.
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