Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping 2016
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Note: Presented in a mockumentary style reminiscent of This is Spinal Tap, this film introduces us to the once-popular boy band, The Style Boyz. The band features Owen Bouchard/Kid Contact (Jorma Taccone), Lawrence Dunne/Kid Brain (Akiva Schaffer), and Conner Friel/Kid Conner (Andy Samberg), who were influential figures in the music industry, inspiring stars like Usher, Nas, and Questlove with their iconic hit, Donkey Roll. However, as time passed, the spotlight shone solely on Conner, leading to tensions with Owen and Lawrence that caused the band to disband.
Fast forward to the present, where Conner has launched his solo career as Conner4Real—a name synonymous with success and ego. While Owen remains loyal as his DJ, Lawrence has retreated to rural life, embracing farming. Conner’s debut solo album, Thriller, Also, achieved stunning sales, highlighted by an extravagant live performance featuring a hologram of Adam Levine and his single I’m So Humble. His ambitious nature is evident as he prepares to release his second album, CONNquest, which features the controversial single Equal Rights, where he emphatically declares, > “I’M NOT GAY” while showcasing various “straight” elements. Unfortunately, the album’s reception is disheartening; it receives an emoji from Rolling Stone that symbolizes its poor quality.
Conner’s attempts to reclaim his former glory lead to questionable partnerships and a publicity stunt involving** Aquaspin**, where their products play his music, creating chaotic nationwide blackouts. As his new album flops in sales, Conner embarks on a tour with enthusiastic fan Hunter The Hungry (Chris Redd), performing outrageous songs like Bin Laden, where he compares a woman’s desires to America’s treatment of Bin Laden. Amidst this whirlwind, a mishap during his performance leads to a scandalous incident, drawing the mocking gaze of the media.
In a bid to salvage his image, Conner stages a dramatic proposal to his airheaded girlfriend, Ashley Wednesday (Imogen Poots), culminating in chaos that results in a lawsuit filed by the bewildered singer Seal. With public opinion dwindling, Conner attempts to reconnect with his past by inviting Owen and Lawrence to a gathering, leading to miscommunication and further embarrassment.
As tensions mount, Conner suffers a breakdown, desperately returning to his mother’s home after the death of his pet turtle, whom he honors in a peculiar blend of grief and insanity. A heartfelt visit from his publicist, Paula (Sarah Silverman), prompts reconsideration of his relationships, leading to a trip to Lawrence’s farm where genuine apologies and friendship begin to mend old wounds.
The story crescendos at the Pop Awards, where Conner faces a pivotal decision: to perform alone or reunite with his long-lost friends. Ultimately, he chooses the latter, resulting in a performance that revitalizes their bond and wins over the audience. The grand finale features a thrilling new song with surprise appearances, culminating in a massive celebration of friendship and creativity as Conner finds joy in performing alongside his bandmates once more. Despite a humorous twist with a new turtle named Maximus 2, he finds himself facing yet another challenge—being mauled by a wolf.
As the credits roll, the persistent comedic duo from CMZ reflect on their futile attempts to taunt Conner, ultimately shifting their focus to mocking other celebrities, underscoring the film’s satirical take on fame and the pressures that accompany it.
Timeline
Track the key events of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Rise of The Style Boyz
The Style Boyz, consisting of Owen Bouchard, Lawrence Dunne, and Conner Friel, burst onto the music scene with their infectious hit, 'Donkey Roll'. Their unique sound and charisma captured the hearts of fans, enabling them to influence various artists, including Usher and Nas, cementing their status in the music industry.
Conner's Solo Career Begins
After the band's disbandment, Conner launches his solo career, rebranding himself as Conner4Real. His debut album, 'Thriller, Also,' strikingly achieves commercial success, featuring an extravagant launch event that includes a hologram performance with Adam Levine, showcasing his ambition and flair for theatrics.
Album Release and Controversy
Conner releases his second album, 'CONNquest,' which generates buzz due to the controversial single 'Equal Rights'. In the song, he vehemently proclaims, 'I'M NOT GAY,' using provocative elements, but his decision garners mixed reactions, reflecting the complexities of his character in the public eye.
Rolling Stone's Emoji Review
To Conner's dismay, 'CONNquest' receives a poor reception, symbolized by a disappointing emoji from Rolling Stone. This setback marks the beginning of a downward spiral, pushing him to take increasingly desperate measures to salvage his career and reputation.
The Aquaspin Stunt
In a bid to reclaim media attention, Conner partners with Aquaspin for a publicity stunt, where their products play his music. This chaotic initiative inadvertently causes nationwide blackouts, resulting in ridicule as his attempts to regain fame backfire spectacularly.
Hunter The Hungry Tour
Amid declining album sales, Conner embarks on a tour with quirky fan Hunter The Hungry. Their performances, which include outrageous and controversial songs, only serve to further alienate Conner from audiences, highlighting the pitfalls of his extravagant lifestyle and artistic choices.
The Scandalous Performance Mishap
During a particularly outrageous performance, a mishap occurs that spirals into a scandal, catching the mocking attention of the media. This incident marks another low point for Conner, reflecting the fine line between fame and public disgrace.
Chaos at the Proposal
In a desperate attempt to boost his public image, Conner stages an extravagant proposal to his girlfriend, Ashley Wednesday. However, the event turns chaotic and ultimately leads to a lawsuit from the bewildered singer Seal, further complicating his life.
Failed Reunion Plans
Conner reaches out to Owen and Lawrence for a reunion gathering, hoping to rekindle their friendship. Unfortunately, miscommunication and hesitation lead to further embarrassment, highlighting the fractures in their relationships stemming from past conflicts.
A Moment of Breakdown
Following a series of personal and professional setbacks, including the death of his pet turtle, Conner experiences an emotional breakdown. This moment of vulnerability leads him to seek solace at his mother's home, illustrating the toll fame has taken on his mental health.
Rebuilding Relationships
A heartfelt visit from his publicist, Paula, prompts Conner to reflect on his past friendships. He takes a trip to Lawrence's farm, where sincere apologies begin to mend old wounds and re-establish connections, emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships.
The Pop Awards Dilemma
At the prestigious Pop Awards, Conner faces a critical decision about whether to perform solo or reunite with his old bandmates. Ultimately, he opts for the latter, an emotional choice that symbolizes growth and a return to his roots in music.
The Reunion Performance
Conner, Owen, and Lawrence take the stage together for the first time in years, delivering a performance that captivates the audience. Their reunion not only revives old friendships but also highlights the joy of collaboration and creativity in music.
Celebration and New Challenges
Following their successful performance, the trio enjoys a heartfelt celebration of friendship and creativity. However, the moment is curtailed when Conner faces yet another challenge, humorously being mauled by a wolf, prompting laughter and an unexpected twist.
CMZ's Final Mockery
As the credits roll, the comedic duo from CMZ showcase their futile attempts to ridicule Conner, ultimately diverting their attention to mocking other celebrities. This comedic conclusion reinforces the film's satirical exploration of fame and its accompanying pressures.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Conner Friel/Kid Conner (Andy Samberg)
Conner Friel, or Conner4Real, embodies the excesses of celebrity with his flamboyant personality and relentless ambition. As he navigates the ups and downs of his solo career, he faces the consequences of his ego-driven choices, ultimately leading to self-reflection and growth.
Owen Bouchard/Kid Contact (Jorma Taccone)
Owen Bouchard is the supportive yet sidelined member of The Style Boyz, representing loyalty in the face of adversity. His character undergoes an evolution from being Conner's DJ to embracing a simpler life, showcasing the contrast between fame and genuine fulfillment.
Lawrence Dunne/Kid Brain (Akiva Schaffer)
Lawrence Dunne leaves the world of fame behind to find solace in rural life, embodying a more grounded perspective. His character's journey underscores the theme of friendship as he reconciles with Conner and Owen, highlighting the value of genuine connections.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present day
The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the modern music industry and its obsession with fame. Themes of ego and the fleeting nature of popularity are explored, showcasing the struggles of a once-beloved star attempting to navigate the current landscape.
Location
Rural farm, Urban concert venues
The movie traverses between the vibrant urban concert venues where Conner Friel, also known as Conner4Real, showcases his extravagant performances and the quieter yet rustic setting of Lawrence's farm. The stark contrast highlights the pressures of fame against the backdrop of a simpler life, where real friendships are rekindled.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Fame
The theme of fame is central to the film, depicting the highs and lows that come with being a celebrity. Conner's journey illustrates the pitfalls of ego and the transient nature of success, ultimately revealing the profound need for connection and authenticity beyond the spotlight.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a crucial role as Conner attempts to reconnect with his former bandmates, Owen and Lawrence. Their journey from conflict and misunderstanding to reconciliation showcases the importance of loyalty and camaraderie, reminding us that true relationships endure beyond the glitz and glam.
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Satire
The film uses satire to critique the absurdity of the music industry and celebrity culture. Through its comedic lens, it highlights the ridiculousness of fame, the lengths people will go to for attention, and the media's role in fueling such narratives.
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