That's What I Am

I wasn't sure what to expect when I purchased this film. We wanted to find some movies that we could show to my cousin's 11 year old son who is coming to live with us (a gay couple) that might help him better understand how to be tolerant and accepting of others who are different. "That's What I Am" definitely does a good job in communicating that, using a story-telling style that reminds me of the ABC After-school Specials but with far better acting, writing and production values. The presentation of tolerance is nicely, though very simply (too simply) framed, but that makes it all the more understandable for an adolescent.Ed Harris is very good as Mr. Simon, the favorite English teacher. Though the portrayal is a bit cartoonish at times, it fits with the overall style of the movie. Chase Ellison is great as the student, Andy, that Mr. Simon nudges into befriending a school outcast. Supporting roles are well-cast with the exception of pro wrestler Randy Orton, who plays the father of another student (a bully) who threatens to out Mr. Simon as a homosexual based solely on rumor. Orton is neither an actor nor does he seem comfortable playing his role in this period piece set in the late 1960s. The film was produced by WWE Studios, so presumably this was a vehicle built at least in part around him... and that's unfortunate. He comes off as a pro wrestler who can't act playing a role that could have been done by any number of others so much better.Something that I notable about this film is that it serves as a reminder of, back in the 60s (as well as for years afterward) how easily a person's life could be ruined simply based on the rumor of the person being gay. I totally appreciated that, but at the same time as we look to help an 11-year-old feel more comfortable living with two dads now, this film is not the place to start. Only when he is able to understand the context of the period in time in which the story takes place will he benefit from this aspect of the film.Lastly, since was in grade school during the 1960s, I really enjoyed the look of the film. The production design takes great care to be true to the era, from cars to clothes, to home decor, to the old reel lawn mower Andy pushes around. It was fun to watch just for that.

This is a movie with a message, but does not get too carried away with getting the message across.The message is stated in the synopsis on the DVD case; "tolerance takes courage".To get this message across the storyline has some strange characters: Stanley who is the biggest kid in the school, yet gets bullied; Mr. Simon, who will not defend himself when a student he got expelled makes accusations which could ruin him; and Andy, the main character, who gets caught in the middle and must make some decisions which would be very hard for an eight grader.The movie is seen mainly from Andy's point of view, which helps the viewer understand the difficulty he has in making his discussions.This is a "coming-of-age" movie, but is this case the coming-of-age is not just Andy's dealing with his first love, but also maturing in other ways, such as understanding tolerance and courage.Be sure and watch the credits at the end of the movie because while the credits are running it also has a "where are they now" feature which is fun.

Good for Movie Night

Like the boy portrayed in the movie, I was also a kid in the 1960's. I liked the way that the story was consistent with reality at that time. Like one piece front seats. The movie showed how some of the kids eventually went on to become writers, parents and convicted felon (of course your daily decisions factor a lot in your destiny.) I think the movie shows that everyone was made for a different destiny and purpose. I rented this movie and it was enough. It is not worth the full price that amazon is asking for it. I would consider a purchase at six dollars. No more. I don't think this movie is of course representative of everyone's childhood. Some kids have never been to school dances or the prom. If there is a book out there that this movie is based on, then I would surely like to read it.

I thought it was a well made movie. However I did not find it uplifting. I never experienced anything like the bullying and meanness shown in this movie. Never in all my time up through high school. Never even saw it. However if this is even remotely like some people actually experience, then I can understand school shootings and if the shooter was a victim of this type of behavior I would be hard pressed not to see their point of view, depending on how they targeted. There is no way some of the bullying characters in this movie grew up to actually contribute positively to society. Maybe we would be better off if someone took them out early on.

It's a feel good movie. A touch of reality. I agree with the other reviewer, the acting was just that, kids acting most of the parts. All in all, it was a wonderful family movie. Taking a stand for others isn't very popular these days. I hope that this movie will entice children and adults to stick up for each other and not allow bullies to do their thing.

I am a teacher of middle school students. We have a class on anti-bullying/tolerance that we all teach. I used exerpts from the movie to illustrate the subtle and overt bullying that takes place at all stages of our lives. This then produced some great discussion among the students on what not to do and how to stop others from bullying.

This film just took me back to my high school days. Everything in this film bespoke of everything I went through It was like watching a time warp back the early 60s! Deja Vu to the ultimate max! Do not know what else to say!! NJMJr!!

well acted and an excellent cast, direction and filming are great as is the story,wonderfull viewing, worth buying.

Bargain price but then watched it and seen why terrible film

Brilliant film. Well worth the watch

really good film love it

This is one of my favourit movies!It should be a must see film. I don't get why it wasn't in the kinos in Denmark.