James Franco easily has the most diverse resume in Hollywood. They guy is super talented both in front and behind he camera, but its his choice of roles that are really out there. He doesn’t just stick to the big theatrical flicks, but also often does TV work as well. His latest, High School Lover co-stars Paulina Singer, Francois Arnaud, but does he get the chance to shine or is this a relationship not worth worrying about?

​

High School Lover follows 17-year-old Kelley falls in love with Christian, an older actor; her father tries to intervene before the relationship turns into a dangerous obsession. Before going into this film you have to know that it was originally a Lifetime TV film. This is a necessity because as I was watching it I couldn’t figure out why it felt so off and the strange cuts and fade outs, but then it all made sense if you add commercials in those spaces. The film itself is fine for a TV movie, but is a pretty clichéd by the numbers obsession thriller. There isn’t anything here you haven’t seen before so go in with very low expectations if you decide to give it a chance.

​

The cast are all fine, but I have to say it was a bit strange seeing Franco in the father role, but he seems to be all in despite it being a lower budget TV film. I have always respected him for his clear love of acting that shows in every performance. Not matter the part he is always all in and here is no difference. If you like these sorts of things or just Lifetime movies in general then this is the film for you, but if you are sucked in with the hopes of an original engaging thriller then you will be disappointed.