“Status Update”: A Flat, Silly, and Cliched Teen Comedy
Status Update presents a predictable tale of a high schooler who gains the power to make his wishes come true.
Following his parents’ divorce, Kyle (Ross Lynch) moves with his mother and sister from sunny California to Connecticut. Initially, he’s homesick and struggles to fit in, becoming the target of the school’s hockey team captain. However, his luck changes when a mobile phone salesman installs an app on his phone that grants him unlimited wishes. By simply typing his desires, such as “My dad is visiting Connecticut” or “I can sing and dance amazingly,” Kyle sees them instantly fulfilled. This newfound magic transforms him into a popular hockey star and singer, but his relationships with his true friends suffer as he becomes increasingly absorbed in his new, “cool” persona.
Ross Lynch, the lead actor, was previously the vocalist for the teen pop-rock band “R5,” which he formed with his siblings.
While Walt Disney’s logo isn’t present in the credits, Status Update exudes a strong Disney Channel Original Movie vibe. This isn’t just because it stars Ross Lynch (of “Austin & Ally”) and Olivia Holt (of “Kickin’ It”). The film’s plot, structure, and overall feel are reminiscent of classic Disney teen movies, complete with a blend of comedy, music, moral lessons, and an abundance of stereotypical characters and over-the-top acting.
Olivia Holt will soon star in Marvel’s new superhero television series, “Cloak & Dagger.”
A Failed Attempt to Replicate the Disney Formula
Copying the Disney Channel Original Movie formula is a risky endeavor, as these films are often weak and appeal only to a specific age group with limited artistic expectations. However, screenwriter Jason Filardi (“17 Again”) and director Scott Speer (“Midnight Sun”) fail to capture even the few redeeming qualities of Disney’s teen films. Status Update lacks the energy of its prototypes, and the narrative feels clunky and poorly constructed. Moreover, the film amplifies the flaws of Disney movies to an extreme.
Stereotypical Characters and Aggressive Idiocy
The film’s biggest problem lies in its characters, who are so stereotypical and absurd that they don’t feel like real people, even within the exaggerated world of Hollywood high schools. As a result, it’s difficult to care about Kyle’s relationship with his best friend, who is nothing more than a collection of “nerdy” clichés. The obligatory gay character feels like a caricature, as if the filmmakers were trying to create a comical sidekick but ended up with an offensive stereotype. Instead of laughter, these characters evoke irritation due to the aggressive idiocy on display.
The main characters fare only slightly better. They aren’t repulsive, thanks to the charming young stars who portray them. However, Holt’s character lacks depth (a romantic lead needs more than just beauty), and Kyle’s actions are often implausible. Why would someone who doesn’t care about hockey or popularity use his magic to become a hockey champion? Doesn’t he have other dreams to fulfill? In contrast, the transformation of the main character in “Mean Girls” felt much more justified and believable.
A Missed Opportunity for a Meaningful Story
Furthermore, why does Kyle need magic to achieve his goals? He’s already an attractive and athletic guy who easily attracts attention. Such individuals don’t need miracles to join school teams or woo the prettiest girls. Since the film doesn’t do anything particularly interesting or effective with the magic app, it would have benefited from a realistic plot without any supernatural elements. The closer a story is to real life, the easier it is for teenagers to learn valuable life lessons.
A Glimmer of Hope in a Secondary Plotline
Interestingly, the film’s strongest and most heartfelt part is the subplot in which Kyle accepts that his parents can’t be together. This part of the film is almost entirely devoid of magic, which only strengthens it. Unfortunately, it’s just a side story. The main plot is as unoriginal as countless other high school movies. The same can be said about the film’s few musical numbers. Finding a good joke in Status Update is as difficult as finding dirt in a sterile laboratory. It’s a weak film, even for television, yet it’s being released in theaters.