Welcome to another installment of is this worth watching? I waste my time digging through all Netflix and Hulu has to offer so you don't have to. Today we discuss "Dismissed" which dropped on Netflix earlier this month. The thriller originally dropped in October 2017 but just made its way to Netflix. With brother Cole Sprouse receiving huge success with "Riverdale," it would appear the twins are getting their careers back on track after taking a hiatus since their time on "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" and "The Suite Life on Deck" which ended in May of 2011.
What's it about?
This film introduces you to a high school English teacher who is feeling defeated with his students' lack of interest in the subject matter. With a baby and an unemployed wife, Mr. Butler decides to leave his high school salary and students in hopes of becoming a professor at a nearby university. It is at that point that Lucas Ward (played by Dylan Sprouse) arrives. Deeply passionate about literature Lucas stands out from his classmates with participation and papers that are extensive, to say the least. But is he too passionate? When Mr. Butler gives Lucas a B+ on his paper things take a turn for the worse.
All grades are final
While Lucas attempts to charm and talk his way into the grade he believes he deserves, Mr. Butler is immune. Lucas resorts to extreme measures to receive the grade and it's something you have to see to believe. At the beginning of the film, we see Lucas sign up for chess club which is run by none other than Mr. Butler. This is quite a foreshadowing. Mr. Butler and Lucas engage in what could easily be related to a battle of chess throughout the film working to outsmart the other at every turn, losing pawns and pieces along the way until placed into a checkmate.
The film may seem like it's about a student who cares too deeply about a grade but in reality, it's more than that.
This film gives a new meaning to the term "be careful what you wish for." Mr. Butler only wanted his students to show an interest, and then he received one who showed too much interest -- so much so that it cost Mr. Butler his family and his future career.
This film is certainly worth watching. It's perfect for a day when you need something to keep you on the edge of your seat. Not only does the film present a worthy plot, it uses metaphors from literature to bring this thriller to life. You have never seen Dylan Sprouse like this before.