Dare

Indie drama about high school kids discovering sexuality; extremely trite subject matter somewhat salvaged by admirable awkwardness, getting a bit unexpectedly demented in the final act, and Zach Gilford's strong performance.

Emmy Rossum was good in this movie about teenagers breaking out of their shells and exploring their sexuality. Some of it was rather unconvincing. Contains gay and bisexual material. Mostly convincing contemporary language. A popular kid turns out to be more vulnerable than the goody-goody misfits. Sometimes uncomforable, but entertaining. However, I was left wondering exactly what the message was. It also felt unfinished.

Dare is a fascinating movie which will raise many questions, some of which it won't -- and doesn't need to -- answer. Its plot is told in an interesting and subversive manner, its characters are well-defined and develop strongly over its duration, and its actors are committed to the idea the filmmakers want to convey. I wanted more, and that's almost always a good sign. It doesn't play things safe, and that works to its advantage. More movies should follow that lead.

I watched this movie since Rooney Mara was in it and she actually looked pretty good but overall the movie was just ok and also kinda weird how the characters acted.

Surprisingly fresh high-school drama in which the characters develop and unfold as we watch, experimenting socially and sexually and never staying still for long, just like some real teenagers. I also like the fact that the traditional "heroes" of films like these turn out to be assholes.

"Dare is substandard fare by all accounts, plucking its characters from past (and better) teen-angst films." - Adam Keleman

Maybe it's just cause I find this generation of teens repulsive in this lack of motivation, depth, or character; but I just couldn't get into this film.

With a coming-of-age story that takes a near cliche and makes it unique and authentic writing, it's hard for me not to really like Dare. But the fact that the mediocre Johnny's acting is the best we get is really upsetting. At least the dialogue was fantastically written and the camera work helped you dive into the characters' world, never being obtrusive. The second half was generally odd, and the movie is good because of its story. Overall good, with potential and I hope to revisit it someday.

Zach Gilford absolutely makes this movie. There are a lot of faults in this movie, but the core ideas, though not very well executed, I found very unique in a high school movie. The idea that these characters are really playing dress-up in their intense need to feel like adults. The strange bond that teenagers develop when social lines are blurred. But most of all, how brave it is to make a character like Johnny, a blank slate developed and in the end, abused by the two other main characters.

Has a couple of good moments, but there's an overall lack of direction and focus. Covers the intertwined lives of three high school teens, focusing on each in their own segment. For me things started out okay with the Emmy Rossum segment, but got progressively worse for the other two.