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Fantasy comedy

Status Update (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Status Update (2018) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
worldwide gross
$416.2K
Echo Score
28
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Status Update (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 46m (106 min)
Director
Scott Speer
Genres
Fantasy , Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Status Update

· 7 more
Ratings

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).

28 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

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.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$416.2K

US & Canada
$4.8K
International
$411.4K
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

Status Update Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Status Update.

Status Update Official Trailer - In Cinemas Now
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What magical app does Kyle discover?

Details

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
  • Statuss atjaunots
  • Novi status
  • Ứng Dụng Vi Diệu
  • Vezi ce postezi!

Seen Status Update?

FAQ

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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