Zac Efron lets more than just the beat drop in the newest trailer for his coming-of-age drama “We Are Your Friends.”
The “High School Musical” heartthrob stars as aspiring DJ Cole Carter, who’s facing a quarter-life crisis as he and his friends struggle to find purpose and inspiration amid the desolate suburbs of Los Angeles.
Cole’s looking for a ticket out of his mind-numbing day job in the San Fernando Valley, where he’s surrounded by “actors, waiters and wannabes” while spinning for free at local parties in his spare time.
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He eventually catches the ear of experienced music insider James Reed (Wes Bentley), who recognizes Cole’s talent and gives his new protege some tips on how to take his career to the next level.
“You’re not going to get anywhere using the same old sounds that every other laptop DJ uses,” James advises. “Any successful artist, they have this moment where they stop being an admirer and they find their signature.”
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Cole’s already used to setting himself apart from his peers, as he refuses requests for mainstream hits at various gigs.
“This party sucks,” one partygoer complains. “Can you play ‘Drunk in Love’?”
“Absolutely not,” Cole quips, unamused.
Naturally, Cole’s journey to the top of the EDM scene isn’t an easy one, as he’s spotted butting heads with his “young hustlers club” buddies and his boss (Jon Berthal) along the way. The arrival of “Blurred Lines” babe Emily Ratajkowski, however, seems to make the rhythm run a whole lot smoother.
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“We Are Your Friends” hits theaters on Aug. 28.
— Erin Biglow
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