Status Update (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Status Update is a 2018 fantasy comedy directed by Scott Speer, starring Ross Lynch as Kyle Moore, Harvey Guillen and Olivia Holt. It runs 1 hour 46 minutes and earned $416,178 worldwide. IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 46m (106 min)
- Director
- Scott Speer
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Vertical Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Status Update About?
The premise of Status Update without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A teenage boy discovers a mysterious app that unexpectedly brings his online status updates to life. As his virtual thoughts and complaints materialize in the real world, he finds himself struggling to control the chaotic and often humorous consequences. He must learn to manage the app's power before his online rants cause irreversible problems and impact the people around him.
Status Update Themes & Keywords
· 28 tags- new kid in school
- hockey
- social media
- teenager
- app
- separated parents
- high school
- smartphone
- adolescent
- abuse
- boy
- bully
+16 more Show fewer
- gift
- jealousy
- father son relationship
- fight
- trial
- contraband
- sabotage
- scolding
- vandalism
- barefoot male
- camera shot of feet
- camera shot of bare feet
- camera shot of mouth
- close up of lips
- close up of mouth
- mouth closeup
Status Update Cast & Characters
Ross Lynch leads the cast as Kyle Moore, with Harvey Guillen and Olivia Holt as Dani McKenzie. Directed by Scott Speer; 11 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Scott Speer
- Ross Lynch as Kyle Moore
-
Harvey Guillen -
Olivia Holt as Dani McKenzie -
Markian Tarasiuk as Brian Massey
Also Starring in Status Update
· 7 more- Gregg Sulkin Derek Lowe
- Courtney Eaton Charlotte Alden
- Andrew Herr Oliver
- Brec Bassinger Maxi Moore
- Maude Green Cassie
- Micah Bulldogs Player
- Austin Obiajunwa
Status Update Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate Status Update 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 28/100, strongest in character & emotion (50) and weakest in rewatch factor (20).
Status Update Echo Score Breakdown
Status Update suffers from a lack of cohesion across its visual, narrative, and emotional elements. Critics and users alike find the plot predictable and underdeveloped, while the direction and production feel superficial. Though the cast shows occasional spark, many performances are undermined by thin characterization and cringey dialogue. The soundtrack and visual style offer few standout moments, and the film lacks lasting appeal. Overall, this teen comedy falls short of its ambitions, resulting in a largely forgettable experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 30
In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits a cursory approach to visual design and editing, resulting in a slick but superficial aesthetic. Critics note the direction feels unconsidered, and the production design lacks inventive detail. The cinematography adopts a generic, phone-friendly framing that fails to create memorable imagery. Overall, the artistic elements contribute little beyond a glossy veneer, offering minimal visual engagement.
- Character & Emotion 50
When it comes to character and emotion, the performances offer sporadic charm but lack depth. The cast’s sincerity provides occasional warmth, yet many characters remain underdeveloped and deliver uneven dialogue. Critics point out that the protagonist’s arc follows predictable patterns with shallow emotional beats. Supporting roles show potential but are constrained by the script’s lack of nuance. Overall, the character dynamics fail to generate lasting emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 25
In terms of story and flow, the narrative adheres to a highly predictable structure with minimal surprises. Reviewers criticize the film’s reliance on well-worn teen comedy tropes and uneven pacing, noting plot holes inherent to its magical app premise. Attempts at social commentary feel underdeveloped and tacked-on, detracting from engagement. Overall, the plot coherence and originality are weak, resulting in an unremarkable storyline.
- Sensory Experience 30
In terms of sensory experience, the soundtrack and sound design offer little distinction, with music cues that underscore moods without adding depth. The visual style relies on bright, generic palettes and cell phone framing that prioritize a mobile-friendly look over cinematic appeal. Sound mixing is adequate but lacks dynamic range. Overall, the sensory elements remain serviceable yet uninspired, contributing to a bland audiovisual presence.
- Rewatch Factor 20
Regarding rewatch factor, the film provides limited incentive for repeat viewing due to its predictable plot and thin emotional stakes. Initial enjoyment may stem from the earnest message, but the lack of novel details or layered storytelling reduces its long-term appeal. Dialogue and set pieces fail to reveal new nuances on subsequent viewings. Overall, the movie offers minimal replay value and is unlikely to engage audiences beyond a single watch.
-
IMDb 5.8 /10
See on IMDb -
TMDB 73% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.2 /5
12 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.8 /5
See on Movie Insider
Status Update Plot Summary
What happens in Status Update from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Kyle, portrayed by Ross Lynch, is navigating the trials of adolescence after his parents’ divorce, which forces him to relocate to a new school. Struggling to adjust, he forms a friendship with a fellow student, Lonnie (Harvey Guillen). An unexpected encounter with a mysterious bearded man at the mall introduces Kyle to a magical phone equipped with an app called “your universe.” This app grants the unusual ability to turn written words into reality.
Full summary
The whole story of Status Update, scene by scene
Status Update Box Office
Status Update grossed $416,178 worldwide. $4,764 came from the US and Canada and $411,414 (99%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$416.2K
- US & Canada
- $4.8K
- International
- $411.4K
Status Update Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Status Update.
How Well Do You Know Status Update?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What magical app does Kyle discover?
Status Update Also Known As
16 alternative titles, including “Appgefahren - Alles ist möglich” and “Статус: Update”.
- Also known as
-
- Appgefahren - Alles ist möglich
- Статус: Update
- Durumunu Güncelle
- Статус: Обновлен
- 위시업
- Статус подновен
- Status Update: Actualiza tu universo
- Status Update: Perfil dos Sonhos
- Svajonių apps'as
- מה הסטטוס
- Dokonalá appka
- 状态更新
+4 more Show fewer
- Statuss atjaunots
- Novi status
- Ứng Dụng Vi Diệu
- Vezi ce postezi!
Seen Status Update?
Movies Like Status Update
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including New Guy, Switched and Swiped.
Status Update FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Status Update, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Status Update?
Status Update runs 1 hour 46 minutes (106 minutes).
When was Status Update released?
Status Update was released on March 30, 2018.
Who directed Status Update?
Status Update was directed by Scott Speer.
More films by Scott Speer Who is in the cast of Status Update?
Status Update stars Ross Lynch as Kyle Moore, Harvey Guillen and Olivia Holt as Dani McKenzie, among 11 credited actors.
How much did Status Update make at the box office?
Status Update grossed $416,178 worldwide ($4,764 domestic, $411,414 international).
How is Status Update rated?
Status Update has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 73% on TMDB, 2.2/5 on Letterboxd and 3.8/5 on Movie Insider.
Does Status Update have a post-credit scene?
No. Status Update has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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