Netflix Review: “Dismissed”

A psychopathic high school student wreaks havoc on his teacher in this chilling horror movie.

Ivan+Benavides+%7C+Senior+Designer

Ivan Benavides | Senior Designer

Makayla Purvis, Contributing Writer

IMDB Rating: 5.9/10

My Rating: 7/10

Getting a lower grade than you expected is undoubtedly irritating, but some people will go too far for revenge.

In “Dismissed,” a horror movie recently released on Netflix, Lucas Ward (Dylan Sprouse) is a charming and intellectual high school student with a focused mindset on English and chess. When he writes a fifteen page and receives a B on it, however, he reaches psychopathic levels of anger that put his English teacher, Mr. Butler (Kent Osborne) in hot water. Throughout the film, Mr. Butler receives threats and challenges that have the potential to end his teaching career – and even his life.

Although the movie had its truly terrifying moments, there were a few fumbles with the acting. Famous for films such as “Uncle Kent” and “Uncle Kent 2,” Kent Osborne could’ve played his awkward character better. There are a few scenes that were poorly executed and didn’t sit well or bring out emotions with the viewers.

This film was Dylan Sprouse’s first return to acting after his role as Zack Martin in the Disney Channel show “The Suite Life on Deck.” He recently recently graduated from New York University, and although he portrayed his psychotic character extremely well, there were a few scenes that could have better emphasized and acted out.

Facing the expectation of being as good as his twin brother, Cole Sprouse, who plays Jughead in the famous “Riverdale” series, I believe that Dylan could have snatched a more prominent role in a new television series or better-produced movie to bolster his debuting film career.

Although “Dismissed” is a good enough to watch on Netflix, it’s the type of movie that’s very similar to your typical crazy Lifetime channel film. If you’re into that kind of thing, then it’s definitely the movie for you. But if not, then maybe you should settle for another new movie or show currently out on Netflix.

Makayla Purvis is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected].