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I find it infuriating when a character makes weak and unrealistic decisions in order for there to be a plot. This to me is a sign of bad writing. Also the casting of the teacher - I feel - was bad. As excited as I was to see Dylan Sprouse in a new film, I was disappointed that the other lead character in this film (the teacher) seemed to drag it down. The acting is great from Dylan and I hope to see him in more movies soon. Hopefully ones that give him more opportunity to show his talents. I just can't get past the weakness of the teacher and dumbness of some of the supporting characters. It was a tad cheesy, but not one of the worst films I've seen at all.

Just watched The Snowman and Hangman multi million pound thrillers and this beats both of them hands down. Great acting especially from the two main relatively unknown actors, smart story filmed well and although its not massively original "Apt Pupil" being brought to mind it does what it does well and is well worth a watch if you are looking for a decent thriller. This is the type of film that proves you don't need a massive budget to make a good film.

source: Dismissed

Dylan Sprouse. One word = Great! His acting for this role was what I expected from someone who has been MIA from the limelight for quite some time (The Suite Life on Deck)... First Act = Good pacing... Second Act = No background information (what do you expect in under 90 mins really though) Last act = Underwhelming. The teachers wife could have been spared. Unnecessary death. Dylan's character should have been taken out in the last scene IMO. Overall, meh.... I will check for Dylan in future films most definitely!

Horrendously poor screenwriting and acting from all cast members. All members of the production crew and cast should be utterly ashamed to be associated and involved with this complete and utter shambles of a film. Sincerely, this is a disgrace to cinema. This is by far the worst example of a film I have seen in all my life. How anyone could be entertained by this ridiculous charade is beyond me. As far as I'm concerned, this film has robbed me of 88 minutes of my life. Every scene is filled with unfulfilled anticipation and the most dreadful acting from all parties I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing. Avoid at all costs.

This straight to video film has the feel of an artsy, indie film moreso than a TV movie or a major big budget release. I credit the tension of the protagonist and antagonist taking place pretty much in a vacuum and the reoccurring underscore music as creating this smaller film vibe. It mirrors the quiet film Joshua moreso than the jump scared filled, loud Esther. .. I mean Orphan. I actually would say this is 7 out of 10 but gave it a lower score in commemoration of the film's main plot. The villain creates a memorable charter who perfectly combines the ying and yang of masculine yet feminine, disarming yet frosty. At 1 point he sports the Dicaprio hairstyle circa Titanic. Just like we discovered that a little girl can be deadly, the main character here shows that a slim waisted, teen lad is not to be triffled with either. Very clean cut like the leader in the movie The Purge or the rich son in American Horror Story Freak Show. Those types make for great villians. Ask opponents of late Hall of Fame Pro Wrestler Roddy Piper. This movie was a wonderful guilty pleasure.

I'm disappointed in this movie, it had a lot of potential. Especially with Dylan's acting! He was the perfect phycho, yet the writers didn't give the viewers any insight about Lucas (Dylan) all we know is that if he doesn't get an A he'll threaten you or kill you. But WHY? The writers main focus for some reason was following the baboon of a teacher around who can't even teach a class for God's sake. Ok we get it, he has a family and he wants to protect them, but what is going on with Lucas. What happen to his mother, why is his father so afraid of him and why haven't any of his teachers from previous schools done anything! So many unanswered questions that would have shaped the movie into something way better! They just left this gaping hole in the story and at the end it just felt unfinished. It's like they glued a couple ideas together and copy pasted from other teacher student movies or books and pasted everything. Nothing made much sense, it was all around a very poorly written plot. And All the side characters where practically useless, especially the principal and the fact that the teacher, Mr. Butler, could barley get words out of him half the time and we had no idea what he was thinking either. Honestly I wouldn't recommend unless you want to view Dylan's acting. The only reason it has 3 stars. Dylan A+ Writer/director F

It was a good movie. I just wish that there was more to the movie..... like after Lucas killed his wife and kidnapped his baby! He was a crazy sociopath and psychopath, thinking he could get away with doing anything possible to get straight A classes including killing his only "friend" and killing Mr. Butlers Wife! She did not deserve that although it does put a twist on the story and kinda makes it juicy lol. Good thing he didn't harm the baby! I would've lost my mind! Lucas is completely insane!

Straight off the bat, it's 2019, I never want to see the only African American speaking part being played as the school bully. Completely demolished any positive comments I would have about this film.

I guess I am a fan of movies that start somewhat innocent or only slightly sinister and then progress as the full nature of the antagonist's narcissistic psychopathy escalates. Nightcrawler -- Gyllenhall, Mr. Brooks -- Costner held my attention the entire time. With no-name actors and no real budget the director here does a great job approaching those other two films. I also really like when you are trying to analyze the full impact of one scene, and the director starts the audio rolling on the next scene before the video starts. I also like it when no one believes the protagonist and then there is some really inventive plot twist that turns the tables and gets the authorities on the side of the protagonist. Anyway, looking for more from this director, and the kid actor. Predicting big things.