Panic Button (2011)

We live our modern lives by social networking, everything it seems is up for grabs, by looking at a profile you get an insight into the life of someone, their relationships, their likes, their hobbies. It’s exactly this premise that fuels new movie Panic Button.

Four individuals have won a contest on social networking site all2gethr.com, the prize a trip of the lifetime luxury all expenses paid visit to New York, which includes their own private jet. To make good use of the trip, the host plays games with the winners based on their social networking activities, it’s at this point that things start to go wrong. The group’s activities very much effect what happens down on the ground, as failure to answer questions correctly or comply, could lead to the death of a family member or friend. Trapped 30,000 feet in the air, all the players can do is play the games, or live with their consciences.

Panic Button is a great insight into how much information that can be extracted from what you put out their on the internet, a fiery lesson in how to be a little more careful with your online footprint.

The story moves very well, building up tension between the characters. A lot of the aspects are sadly over elongated, and some of the “tech” a little along the impossible side, but it’s still a great low budget movie that offers a rollercoaster 90-minute ride. In some ways the movie reminds me of Saw on a plane, no elaborate traps to escape from, but a similar scenario.

The movie divided the audience at this years Frightfest, but in fairness it was a well put together piece, it just maybe was not the ideal place to be showing the movie. It’s very much a thriller for the Hollyoaks age, and I mean no disrespect in that, it’s not particularly “adult” and is ideal as an entry level for kids getting into thriller movies.

Scarlett Alice Johnson is the movies lead, the one time Walford (Eastenders) actress, handles the material well, and is a likeable leading lady. The other performers including Jack Gordon, Elen Rhys, and Michael Jibson all play their hearts out, all at various points being forced to tears by events.

Director Chris Crow does a great job of ensuring all the loose ends are tied up by the movies end. He also delivers a budget movie, without cutting corners, it looks a lot bigger than it actually is, probably helped by the plane setting.

All in all not a bad way to spend 90 minutes, and a movie that’s sure to be a hit with the teen audience.