Watch Brave New Jersey

Brave New Jersey is a comedy-drama film released in 2016 directed by Jody Lambert. The movie stars Anna Camp, Tony Hale, Evan Jonigkeit, and many more. The story takes place in the small town of Lullaby, New Jersey, during the famous broadcast of Orson Welles’ War of the World on Mercury Theater in 1938. The movie plays with the fictional idea of what would happen if people believed that the radio broadcast was real.

The town is preparing for a Labor Day celebration when the news of a meteor shower strikes Lullaby. Many of the residents believe it to be the beginning of an alien invasion that the radio has been warning about. The local population begins to panic, and the movie follows the different residents as they deal with their fears and delusional thoughts. The movie's premise is the fear of the other- the fear of change, of the unknown, and it's a satire of the human condition.

The movie has an excellent cast of actors, led by Anna Camp, who plays the town's school teacher, Peg. Camp portrays Peg as a stern educator with strong opinions on the changing times. Tony Hale plays the town's mayor, Clark, who is desperately trying to maintain law and order. The ensemble cast includes Evan Jonigkeit, Heather Burns, and Sam Jaeger. The actors deliver comic and dramatic performances that beautifully showcase the different characters and their reactions to the "invasion."

The direction of Jody Lambert is underrated. He manages to capture the essence of the Twilight Zone-type episodic storytelling, building suspense and tension as he guides the audience through the movie. He creates a world where the sense of danger and the fear of the unknown is palpable. Lambert's directorial choices allow the movie to be both an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

The cinematography and production design are outstanding elements of the movie. The costume design, the setting, and the lighting all create a perfect illusion of the era, helping the audience become immersed in the story. The movie is mostly set at night, giving it an eerie feel that adds to the tension.

The script is well-written, combining comedy and drama effectively. The characters are well-defined, rich, and interesting. The movie's excellent pacing ensures the narrative is both entertaining and engaging. The script balances lighthearted moments with moments of tension, and the humor never detracts from the gravity of the situation.

In conclusion, Brave New Jersey is a charming comedy-drama that explores the human psyche, fear, and the power of mass hysteria in the face of the unknown. It offers a fun and thought-provoking option for people who love movies that delve into the darker side of human nature. While it may not be the most memorable film of the year, it's definitely worth watching.

Brave New Jersey is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 45.