Betrayed at 17 (2011)

Directed by: Doug Campbell | 88 minutes | drama | Actors: Alexandra Paul, Jake Thomas, Katie Gill, Paula Trickey, Amanda Bauer, Joe Penny, Andy Fischer-Price, Derek Phillips, Blaise Embry, Nicole Cannon, Veralyn Jones, Charles Hoyes, August Emerson, Derek Thompson, Galadriel Stineman

One TV movie is of course not the other, but you often recognize them from thousands. A lot of a tried and tested formula is followed, which makes the story quite predictable. In addition, TV films often look like glorified soap operas, because there is not much money available to use stylish camerawork. Plus, TV movies are populated by Hollywood’s B or even C garnish. Former soap stars and other actors and actresses who have either had their day or will never be a high-flyer. TV movies therefore often look cheap. Also ‘Betrayed at 17’ (2011), a drama produced by Lifetime, cannot escape that harsh judgment. What in turn argues for this Doug Campbell-directed television movie is that the predictable first half hour is followed by a somewhat surprising sequel. So this film doesn’t follow the tried and true formula. Unfortunately, the last half hour turns into a succession of bizarre events. ‘Betrayed at 17’ can’t keep pace.

The story was written by Ken Sanders and Christine Conradt. Widow Michelle Ross (Alexandra Paul) is thrilled when her shy teenage daughter Lexi (Amanda Bauer) finally has a date. She’s been asked out by the handsome Greg Nickels (Andy Fischer-Price). What poor Lexi doesn’t know is that he only did it because of a bet with his best friend Jared (Blaise Embry), whom he convinced for fifty dollars that he could get any girl into bed, even the prudish virgin Lexi. To prove his conquest, Greg films the lovemaking with his laptop, without Lexi knowing. Greg’s ex-girlfriend, Carleigh Taylor (Katie Gill), decides to make fun of her former boyfriend. When she discovers the tape—which Greg has only shown to Jared—she decides to email it behind his back to everyone she knows. That is the beginning of a crazy series of tragic events.

No matter how ridiculous ‘Betrayed at 17’ turns out, you still keep watching. Maybe just to see how far the script goes. It’s commendable that the screenplay shocks one of the main characters quite early in the film, as that keeps the story surprising. But how it is subsequently embroidered on is a major setback. The acting in this TV movie leaves a lot to be desired. Alexandra Paul, known from ‘Baywatch’, is the most experienced actress, so you should expect some level of her. But she is not convincing at all, especially not in the dramatic scenes. The younger actors are also struggling, with the exception of Jake Thomas (little brother Matt from ‘Lizzie McGuire’) who, as Lexi’s troubled brother Shane, still manages to bring some depth. It would probably have made for a more interesting film if he had been the central figure in the film. Oh, and if you’re wondering where you know Carleigh’s dad from; he once played Jake in “Jake and the Fat Man.”

Like many TV movies, ‘Betrayed at 17’ is a major disappointment. After half an hour, when a heavy plot twist shakes things up quite a bit, you still have hope that this can still become something. Unfortunately, that hope soon turns out to be in vain.