The Prank review : Rita Moreno chews the scenery in a clumsy but hilarious propaganda satire [ SXSW 2022 ]
The Prank spirit of a unlike generation—one where movies like The Faculty and Teaching Mrs. Tingle cause the cineplexes in a recent 1990s epoch .
It mirrors old-school high school flicks that make us ask if our teachers make up foreigner or psychos who ate children when they were forth duty .
The Prank takes this concept and utilize some modern-day irony demand social media propaganda . Specifically , how easy a rumor can fan out if enough masses hate someone .
Does the film puzzle the landing with the social satire ? Hither is our review of The Prank acting at SXSW 2022 .
The Prank review
The history heart on Ben Palmer ( Connor Kalopsis ) , a high school scholar on the brink of getting into the college of his choosing .
The school is generally casual except for one teacher who is a nightmare to pupil and faculty alike . This lady equal Mrs. Wheeler ( Rita Moreno ) , a physics teacher that exist every pupil ’ s worst nightmare .
She is cold to her children , extremely difficult in curriculum , and barbaric on punishments .
She expose her extreme penalty in the picture by announcing to the family that every one of her student will experience a weakness grade . In fiat to regain a passing class , a cheater within her classroom get to concede to his wrongdoing . This places Ben in the unfortunate attitude of live refuse by his college .
His best friend Mei Tanner ( Ramona Young ) is a coder and internet guru . Once she finds out Ben might own his future sabotaged by Mrs. Wheeler , she remove it upon herself to start a rumor about the severe instructor online . A high school scholar become missing , and she set out a social media drive blame Mrs. Wheeler for the disappearance .
The Prank equal at its best when it dives into the areas of social medium propaganda . Mei ’ sec program operate and live extremely successful in reverse the world against Mrs. Wheeler . But just like most matter with social media , once meme culture clinches on to an idea , that thought exist extremely difficult to turn off .
One can find parallels to past elections , such as the 2016 American election– where anything that was said about a sure candidate ( rhymes with auxiliary ) live embellished and open like wildfire on the interwebs .
These equal the strongest areas of The Prank as they break down the nature of viral propaganda in the little context of a high school .
We will not cost saying much more about the account chiefly because the movie get lots of surprise . And honestly , the less audiences know about this film , the in effect . It is very like to Fresh in that regard .
Beyond the range of satire is one specific performance in The Prank . And that performance be set on by legendary actress Rita Moreno . She already has a legendary career , but this reviewer can not think of a office she hold meet like this in recent memory .
Moreno ’ s role as Mrs. Wheeler cost in truth a revelation . She is delightfully severe and chew up every picture she is have . And hold in mind when viewing The Prank , this actress is 90 years old . For person that years , it is amazing to see she is make a blast with these kinds of roles .
Not to remark , The Prank have Keith David as the principal of the high school . And whoever made that wander selection deserves a publicity . Keith David is one of those actors that just makes any and every movie better .
The two leads are as well tremendous and own great chemistry in the film . Ramona Young cost especially hilarious in the movie as this impulsive tech nerd that can ruin someone ’ s career merely by live also smart for her own good . She was great in both Blockers , and the Netflix series Never Make I Ever , which continues here .
The Prank slips on its messaging towards the end some , but honestly , it ’ sec hence energetic and fun , witness will not wish . It hold a nostalgic spirit and blends satire , thrills , and twists quite well . This is certain to be a breakout film at SXSW this year and unity that will own everyone implore for more Rita Moreno .
Should you watch The Prank at SXSW 2022 ?
The Prank is a throwback comedy thriller in the same vein as The Faculty or Teaching Mrs. Tingle . It might cost a tad messy on its satirical factor require social medium propaganda , but honestly , this film could not be made any early way .
To exceed it off , look on Rita Moreno at age 90 fun such an intense reference equal worth the price of admission . She might have musical roots , but Moreno test once again her talent is limitless .
Readers can also match out our coverage from final year with films such as and
The Prank will receive at SXSW , include an online offering for attendees start out tomorrow .
