Nerdland

Nerdland

Year: 2016

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Prynoski

ComedyAnimation

Two friends, a struggling actor and a quick-witted writer, embark on a comedic journey through the bustling city, pursuing their dreams of stardom. Their quest for fame and fortune leads them on a series of increasingly absurd and memorable misadventures as they navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry together. Paul Rudd and Patton Oswalt provide the voices in this animated comedy.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Nerdland (2016)

Trace every key event in Nerdland (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Elliot and John's Career Struggles

As they approach their 30th birthdays, Elliot, a passionate screenwriter, and John, a once-promising actor, confront their disillusionment with life. Their dreams of achieving stardom have been crushed under the weight of consistent rejections, leaving them feeling hopeless and trapped in their failed aspirations.

2

John's Disastrous Interview

Tensions escalate when John attends a disastrous interview with celebrity Brett Anderson, which leaves him feeling utterly deflated. This moment marks a significant low point, driving both friends to make a pact to achieve fame before their 30th birthday, setting the stage for the chaos that follows.

3

The Pact for Fame

In a moment of desperation, John and Elliot create a pact to seek fame within 24 hours, an ambitious goal that feels urgent as their birthdays draw near. This decision showcases their determination to seize one last chance at achieving their dreams, no matter how ludicrous the attempts may become.

4

The Lost Check Adventure

Their first attempt to gain attention leads them to a comical but disastrous encounter with a homeless man named Archie. In their misguided effort to retrieve a lost check from him, they find themselves beaten and humiliated rather than famous, illustrating the absurdity of their quest.

5

Attempt to Save an Elderly Woman

Not deterred by their previous failure, John and Elliot conspicuously attempt to save an elderly woman from a fire. Although they initially fail to rescue her, fate intervenes when she heroically rescues Elliot in a surprising twist, adding yet another layer of chaos to their day.

6

John's Realization

As the clock ticks down, John comes to the realization that their pursuit is more than fame; it is a quest for infamy. This introspection leads him to reassess what true success means, marking a pivotal moment in their chaotic journey as they navigate their identities.

7

Breach of Marvin's Stronghold

Embodying their alter egos, 'Deadly Jester' and 'Fist of Satan', the duo hatch a reckless plan to breach Marvin Masterson's digital fortress. Their efforts, however, are thwarted by an ingenious device that threatens to erase John's prized possessions, adding to their mounting frustrations.

8

A Vengeful Rampage

Disillusioned with their directionless pursuits, John spirals into a vengeful rampage around the neighborhood, and Elliot, against his better judgment, finds himself drawn into John's chaotic frenzy. Their reckless actions unexpectedly earn them notoriety as the 'Mystery Witnesses.'

9

Encounter with TV Personalities

Their newfound notoriety catches the attention of TV personalities Sally and Linda, who become unexpected allies. However, their fleeting celebrity status quickly turns precarious when Detective Donahue reveals ties between the arrested robber and a Cleveland crime syndicate.

10

Entering Witness Protection

Following Detective Donahue's revelation, Elliot and John are thrust into witness protection, a situation they desperately wish to escape. This turn of events adds a layer of complexity to their originally simple goal of achieving fame.

11

The Escape Plan

In a bold move for freedom, Elliot and John manage to escape from the police station and take refuge in Sally and Linda's apartment. There, they devise an outrageous plan to fake their own deaths, leveraging the help of Nerd King and an obscure action figure.

12

Media Frenzy

After executing their elaborate ruse, Elliot and John momentarily enjoy their freedom, but it quickly turns into a media frenzy. Their returns to their friends’ apartment lead them back into an even deeper entanglement with the witness protection program, illustrating the unintended consequences of their schemes.

13

Life in Disguise

Amidst the chaos surrounding their lives, Elliot and John attempt to blend into the mundane by working in a diner, sporting fake mustaches. Despite the absurdity of their situation, they finally experience a sense of satisfaction in having achieved fame, albeit through the most unconventional, and often ridiculous, means.

14

Reflections on Fame

As they reflect on their journey, Elliot and John ponder the true meaning of success and fame. What began as a frantic quest for recognition led them down a path filled with ridiculous events, self-discovery, and ultimately an unconventional sense of fulfillment.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 20:25

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Nerdland Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Nerdland, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Nerdland Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Nerdland

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Nerdland

Nerdland Spoiler-Free Summary

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Nerdland Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Nerdland

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