By John Corrado

★½ (out of 4)

John (Paul Rudd) dreams of being a movie star, and his roommate Elliot (Patton Oswalt) is trying to get his career going as a screenwriter.  Desperate for fame before hitting thirty, the two slackers set out to become instant celebrities, seeking attention at all costs.

First they unsuccessfully try to become local heroes, and then they start planning a murder spree, to capitalize on the media notoriety of violent criminals.  But it’s only when they become accidental witnesses to a crime that they realize the true cost of being famous.

Annoying to watch and ugly to look at, Nerdland is wholly unappealing animated film that wastes the talents of its voice cast.  The film’s satirization of celebrity culture and those who seek fame at any cost feels heavy handed and obvious, with characters who range from irritating and insufferable to downright reprehensible.  This a crass and crudely drawn adult cartoon that aims to be provocative, but settles for being obnoxious, and it’s impossible to recommend a film that grates on the nerves as much as this one.

The Blu-ray includes no bonus features.

Nerdland is a Sony Pictures Classics release.  It’s 83 minutes and rated 14A.