Dead at 17

Rarely do I see a film I care to review. But I felt forced to warn the world as to how horrible this movie is. Some of the worst direction in even average television history, the acting nearly as bad as the direction, and absurd writing make this film one of the worst to reach audiences of all time.

How this film was funded, put into production, and actually sold is mind boggling. There is nothing more to say than I already have. "Dead at 17" is just as bad as its title suggests, and I can guarantee you one thing - This is a film full of cast and crew who will never work a significant gig in their life.

Don't waste your time. Consider yourself warned.

This movie goes off the rails halfway through. The way the rich kids parents act made me physically laugh. The weak actors were all the parents and the stupid friends, Jasons sister was decently good actually. Some of these scenes are nonsense though. I can picture what demographic this movie was made for and I am not that. There is a moment where a bunch computer jargon is used to needlessly drive the plot, and it was straight obnoxious. "Once I find his IP I can access his computer remotely." This was a trainwreck of a movie, but not the worst by far. This was not "Room" level bad or "Holiday in Handcuffs" bad. Bad in a different kind of way, then it drops off out of nowhere at the end with very little resolution to any issues but the "Jason" issues. Still the movie has plenty of moments that were funny, even though they were not written or directed to be. 3.5 out of 10.

OK...so it's NOT the greatest movie of all time but anyone who thinks it's the WORST simply hasn't seen enough OTHER Lifetime Movies! The plot is well thought out. Of COURSE it's a bit far-fetched and sometimes sappy! But it's a MOVIE (fer the luv uv of Christmas! I especially like the work of Danielle Kind, who plays Jason's older sister. I think hers is a compelling screen presence. The characters of the older brother villain and his clueless buddies are well-portrayed and, as is to be expected in any Lifetime Movie, there are several very good-looking people. The script is at least adequate and the videography is QUITE good...with the intense facial close-ups. Clearly, this movie was produced by someone who knew what he was doing. By LMN standards, I say it's pretty good!

As Canadian movies go, this one isn't too bad at all. I watched it tonight on 'TMN: On Demand', and it's not as horrible as people have been rating it.

The storyline is written as well as it can be, and provides a surprising amount of twists and turns. I actually found myself surprised at times, and having a feel for the film.

The acting is average, but incredible for such an indie movie. Their actions and dialogue are believable, and is not overly forced.

I suggest this film to anyone who is interested in shutting off their brain for an hour and a half, which in my opinion, flies by quite quickly.

5/10.