Review: Dismissed

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It's always a little uncomfortable when a child star transitions into adulthood. If done well, this move can come with an entirely new fan base and well deserved accolade. Done poorly and the complete brand change can feel rushed, phony and problematic. Especially in acting, many young stars have found it difficult to move from small screen kid’s television shows to big screen or primetime adventures. Look no farther than Disney which has churned out star after star with some great successes and some awkward failures. Currently on an uptick though, is one of the breakout stars of The CW's Riverdale, Dylan Sprouse.

With his latest feature, an Orphan-esque teen horror film titled Dismissed, the future seems bright for Sprouse, even if the resulting film is ridiculously shallow entertainment. Dismissed follows a new high school student, Lucas, who's hell-bent on receiving an A and getting into Harvard. Things transpire as one might guess when he receives a B on a paper that looks more like a novel than an assignment. Dismissed also stars Kent Osborne (Adventure Time) as the offending teacher, Chris Bauer (The Wire) as Lucas's father and Rae Gray (Fear the Walking Dead) as a victim of Lucas's villainy.


Dismissed is most reminiscent of a Lifetime movie, but with a horror edge. Like a paper-thin Orphan, it definitely is a tossed together project meant to capitalize on Sprouse's recent fame. The plot is far-fetched, the dialogue is often ridiculous and the characters are sometimes flat. Dismissed isn’t even all that interesting given the plethora of other, more superior obsession stories available. Yet, there is something oddly satisfying about this movie.


Despite its many flaky shortcomings, this film finds the light in its actors. Each of the actors is fantastic in their relatively melodramatic and over-the-top roles. Osborne's plays a caring father who will do anything to protect his family well, even if his dramatic dialogue is a bit cheesy and Gray's Becca is scarily gullible. But as mentioned, the truest star is Sprouse who captures the meticulous and unhinged Lucas well.


How does Dismissed end? Exactly how you think it will. This movie offers no surprises, no shock value and very little scares. But as a whole, Dismissed makes it far on its short little legs. It’s an easily digestible, stupidly enjoyable endeavor that anyone could rip apart but most will probably just rather sit around and invest around a television with friends. 6 out 10.

Best in Show: Clingy Foes (Pt. II of II)



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4. Obsessed Beyoncé in a horror movie? Yes. Before the bat-swinging vengeful Beyoncé of Lemonade, she was playing the equally vengeful mother and wife of a man who attacks the unwanted attention of stalker Lisa, played by the especially starling Ali Larter. This movie is entertaining purely based on the insanity of Lisa and the eventual melodramatic confrontation between Beyoncé's Sharon and her. This movie isn't scary, but it is fun. Idris Elba's Derek is perfect in his role as the trapped victim of Lisa's games. Whether at work or on a trip, he can't escape her.


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3. Misery

In perhaps one of the most iconic obsession films, the Stephen King original finds Kathy Bates in one of her biggest roles. As an obsessed reader and self-proclaimed "number one fan" of fictional author Paul Sheldon, Bates' Annie is a terrifying control freak and stalker. So obsessed with the writer that she attempts to keep him for herself, Annie forged the way for future characters like hers. From spoofs to music videos, Misery left a lasting mark on pop culture. Misery is a dreary film that finds chaos in fandoms. It’s the type of film that is especially poignant in today's celebrity-obsessed culture where fans, "stans" and trolls engross themselves and harass famous people as if they're their best friends or their worst enemy. In fact, Misery now, feels ahead of its time.



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2. The Gift

Entering this film with little outside knowledge of it is the best way to become fully enveloped in the twisting plot of The Gift. Deeply unsettling and grossly underrated, The Gift follows the arrival of a mysterious man from a husband's past as he interjects himself in the couple's lives. All isn't as it seems though, and by the movie's climax, this obsession story featuring gifts left on doorsteps becomes an engulfing experience that'll leave you stunned. Without saying more, as not to give away all this film holds, The Gift is a troubling must-see.

 

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1. Orphan

In terms of commitment, nothing will ever reach the levels of insanity that is Esther from Orphan. By far one of the most legendary movies to come out of modern horror, the film's infamous twist paired with compelling performances by horror maven Vera Farmiga and up-and-comer Isabelle Fuhrman made audiences shriek. Orphan is one of those movies that "goes there;" completely unafraid of what its reception would be. Esther's obsession with the father, and well, her past fathers, is next level. The film's finale reveal brings on major creep vibes and whether you think you're a clingy person or not, chances are you'll realize you're not that level of obsessed. While movies like it have come before and will surely follow, Orphan deserves this spot of infamy.