Status Update

Don't kid yourself, this is a Disney movie without the mouse influence. Yes it's a bit formulaic and predictable. But it's well done. A nice family movie with a few swear words.

Movie in overall wasn't the best, there were also some issues with voiceovers, but the soundtrack was terrific. Especially "Drowning". What a shame it isn't in spotify. Would listen to it 24/7.

Now while it may seem impossible to believe for some, there are still a few people out there, who do not have a smart phone. A phone that uses apps - no they have cellphones that actually are only good for one thing. Well ok multiple things, if you use them as clock, to message and certain other things included. But they do not have apps or many other possibilities that the smart phones have. So my summary question would be ... apt for those people.

But if you have read a few of my reviews (I have written a couple or more), than you know there is more to it. Well hopefully you have realized that by now that is. And there is also more to this movie - yes it does have cliches, yes it is flawed in certain aspects. But it is so much fun and if you nitpick, you are able to destroy that fun the movie is able to give you.

Some interesting ideas, though most things will be predictable. Having said that, it has a lot of heart and the charisma of the people involved is really good. Not to mention some really cool casting choices (and beautiful ones as well - for both genders that is). So sit back, make a wish and ... well maybe not, just let the movie work its magic (a my puns - you've missed them, yes?)

There are several themes going on here, including a family breaking up, but the main theme is the California skate boarder who has to move to Connecticut and enter a new high school where ice hockey reigns. The usual scripted bullying starts right away and the new guy has to find a way to overcome it.

In a hallway incident one of the hockey jocks destroys the new boy's phone and when he goes to the mall to see if it can be repaired a mysterious man (reminded me of the Don Knotts role in 'Pleasantville') at a kiosk offers him a phone app which basically anything he types into his status update become reality. Martial arts master, got it. Good singer, got it. Play like a pro hockey player, got it.

So it is all juvenile silliness, guy gets the girl, loses the girl, gets revenge, but eventually realizes he isn't being true to himself and others. But I enjoyed it, all of it, the novelty of the approach, the temporary escape from reality. Not high art but more entertaining than a comedy TV series.

Of note a minor character, sister of the boy, is played by Brec Bassinger, a young actress who this past year starred in a TV series "Stargirl." It was fun to see her before her big breakout.

I watched it at home on Amazon streaming movies.

Ross Lynch and Olivia Holt's chemistry in this movie, especially the Bruno Mars scene, is insane. My daughter and I watched that cafeteria dance scene more times than I can count. He's so confidant, charismatic and talented. Olivia Holt is also quite the singer. Entertaining movie for it's intended target audience. Take it for what it is and just have fun watching it.