Movie review: ‘Devolved’

“Devolved” is a wan spoof of TV’s “Lost” and “Survivor” as seen through the prism of high school dynamics. Writer-director John Cregan covers the basics of character, situation and theme here but never finds his comic footing, resulting in a debut feature that’s more tired than inspired.

After a whale-watching expedition goes bad, a group of San Diego high school seniors becomes shipwrecked on a desert island off the coast of Mexico, where the popular kids face off against the “unpopulars” in a battle for supremacy. Meanwhile, they must find a way off the island — or not, as the case may be — with each faction playing follow their leader.

Shifting loyalties, role reversals and hoisted petards ensue, along with plenty of teen antics of the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll variety. Laughs and charm are at a minimum though, and that includes a painful appearance by Chris Kattan as a fellow castaway.

Though “Devolved” might be a parody and needs to be judged accordingly, it doesn’t quite explain the film’s uneasy dips into the homophobia pool. For example, was there no other way for über-straight jock “The Rog” (Robert Adamson) to lose his status with his “peeps” than to be mistaken for gay? Really?

“Devolved.” No MPAA rating. Running time: 1 hour, 25 minutes. At Laemmle’s Sunset 5, West Hollywood.