Last week I was introduced to to this new app called Stardust (iPhone & Android). I had never heard of this app and wasn’t sure what it was all about, besides the fact that it was used to record movie reactions. If Instagram and Snapchat merged and had a movie theme to it then this would be the app. So I checked the site out and here are my positives and negatives:
PROS:
Ease of use
There is no denying that one of the best features about this app is the ease of use and quickness. It’s very basic in usage (good thing). You don’t need any tutorial, soon as you log in you’re a few buttons away from posting your videos.
Once you download the app (21.5 MB) on your iPhone or Android device (mine was iPhone) you are prompted with signing in with Facebook or manually filling out your name, email, date of birth. Next you are asked to pick a username. Then you just turn on notifications for the use of camera and sound. Once that step is complete, you’re good to go. Simple, easy and takes up less than 5 minutes to set up.
You can search for and invite your friends to join the app, that way you can keeps tabs on when or if they post their reactions.
Options
The app has a limited, yet effective amount of options. Aside from recording your video reaction to a movie there are other options on the app:
- Trending Movies & Shows: List of recent and most trendy movies and shows that are being talked about. If you log on now it’s definitely titles such as: Dunkirk, Spider-Man, Planet of the Apes, Game of Thrones, etc. This is what a casual fan would like to see and it’s available to you on the top of the home screen.
- Trending Reactions: These are the reaction videos from fans and critics to the films that are currently trending.
- Now in Theaters: Instead of heading over to Fandango, Flixster, Imdb, etc., you can just check out all and get the info on all current movies in theaters.
- New Trailers: Instead of searching the web or going to YouTube for new movie trailers, you can view them on the app. There is a section for it and easy swipe scroll to view a new trailer of your choosing.
- Coming Soon: Once again you don’t have to search the web for upcoming movie releases, Stardust lists the upcoming theatrical releases by date and week of the release. Convenient and easy swipe will show you all the options.
- Season Premieres: For all you TV show lovers this option lists all the recent, current and upcoming TV show season premieres.
- New Episodes: A list for the most recent television show episode releases.
With all the above options, you just click on the section and check out the info, details and can post a reaction video to the show episode or film.
Bookmark
Once you select a particular show or movie you are able to post a reaction or add it to your watchlist. You can also see the trailer of the show/film and see the rating for it from your fellow Stardusters (that’s what they call them). I really like the option it gives you to view the film by showing you all the streaming services you can purchase to view it on and directly linking you to them.
CONS:
Video Timing:
So depends on what way you look at it, as far as the amount of time you have to record your reaction video, it’s fairly short. You are given the option of recording a video between 3-30 seconds. Yes, 3 seconds! I can barely say the title of the show or movie in that span, unless you just wanna say “It sucks!”. While 30 seconds isn’t bad, having the option of one minute would be ideal. You don’t want quick reactions to linger so a time limit of 10-60 seconds would be the way to go.
VERDICT:
I believe that Stardust is an outstanding app for movie lovers. It gives you an opportunity to share your reaction with fellow movie lovers. I also loved the fact that aside from movies and shows, there was an option to react to the most recent WWE PPV. As a fan of WWE that’s awesome to incorporate the sports entertainment aspect alongside movies and shows. The search toolbar allows you to search for something specific, which is quick and to the point.
The ease of use of this app can’t go unnoticed. Personally I get turned off or discouraged with apps that are hard to navigate and figure out. I had this issue with Snapchat. This app is so user friendly that it’s a huge part of its appeal.
You don’t have to turn to critic such as myself (although I encourage you still do) with an app like this. You can get a variety of thoughts from actual people. You see their reaction without just having to rely on words and comments. If they are excited, you’ll know. If they are disappointed, you’ll know and see.
I highly encourage you to download this app. It takes up little space on your phone and it’s a quick, easy and effective way to share your immediate thoughts on a movie the minute you get out of the theater. Next time you don’t have to wait hours to hear and share your reaction to your favorite show, you just open up Stardust and let it fly. I believe this app will become a big deal, so hop on and enjoy it right now so you can say you were there from the start.
Stardust Rating: 9/10
You can follow me on Twitter @JimRko and @thereeltalker
