Parents' Guide to

Snervous Tyler Oakley

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Intimate docu follows popular YouTube personality on tour.

Movie PG-13 2015 82 minutes
Snervous Tyler Oakley Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In SNERVOUS TYLER OAKLEY, the audience goes on tour with a popular Web hero, from Dublin to London to Vancouver and throughout the U.S.A. ("snervous," Tyler explains, is a combination of "scared" and "nervous"). It's been only eight years since Tyler Oakley posted a video in his college dorm. What he set in motion has led him to fame, fortune, and a reputation as one of the Internet good guys. The film travels with Tyler as he takes his "Slumber Party" sensation on the road. Dressed in an array of colorful onesies (from fluffy animals to psychedelic prints) and with some of his most revered accomplices, not the least of whom is Jackie, his supportive mom, Tyler delights screaming fans with meet-and-greets, stories, videos, gossip, giggles, and sketches set in a comfy setting on stage. We see only brief glimpses of the events' content; the film focuses on the travel, show preparation, and camaraderie of Oakley's team, with his rabid fans in the background. Wearing his gayness as a badge of honor, Tyler simply "hangs out," playfully preaching individuality, tolerance, and kindness. A detour mid-tour takes him to his hometown in Michigan, at which time the audience gets a clear picture of what it was like for Tyler growing up, specifically including both parents' reactions to his coming out.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

If getting an in-depth peek at Tyler Oakley, young YouTuber extraordinaire, is on your kids' or family's bucket list, this film will be very satisfying. It will thrill his existing fan base and encourage plenty of new followers. It was inevitable that the new pop culture stars of the Web would venture into more traditional entertainment arenas, and this is an early example of a documentary designed for this specific audience. Tyler proudly exclaims, "I don't sing. I don't dance. I have no films, no skills. I'm a personality, not an artist." But he's an engaging personality; and, given that he is an out and proud gay icon, it's clear that Tyler's audience is made up of all kinds of kids. There's a wholesome vibe in all the silliness and exuberance. And the moments devoted to his heartfelt reflections on a time in his early life when sexual orientation was a challenge only make his current happiness and success more poignant.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the meteoric rise of celebrities on the Internet. Which, if any, of these personalities do you follow? What appeals to you about them specifically? How do you interact with them? Do you see this new phenomenon as positive or a negative in our culture?

  • Tyler Oakley says, "At the end of the day ... you can go online and fine someone you feel 'gets you.'" What does he mean by this? How is this statement relevant for you?

  • Have you considered creating a blog? What would it include? How would it represent the person you are?

  • What has Tyler Oakley's stardom enabled him to do? Do you think he makes the most of his fame? How do you see him and his website growing?

Movie Details

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