That's What I Am (2011)

It's hard to not be struck by the obvious similarities between this movie and the television show The Wonder Years. The vintage setting, the baritone voice-over, the main character who survives middle school by avoiding bullies and geeks as much as possible, lusts for an 'out-of-his-league' girlfriend, and goes home to an un-user-friendly father and patient, loving mother.

This week's episode is about a red-haired geek who looks like one of the Walton children. He is paired up with the main character for a project by a wise teacher. Things go wrong, rumours fly, and accusations are made that the teacher is a 'homo'. I don't know what is more difficult to believe, that 13 year olds didn't know what a 'homo' was in 1965, or that bullies would cower in fear from a tall, skinny geek.

The movie isn't bad, it's probably even 'sweet' for those who didn't grow up on the Waltons and/or The Wonder Years and can't compare the productions. But it is undeniably maudlin and should be approached with caution. I know some will think I shouldn't have seen the film if I don't like these types of movies. That isn't the point. There are good and bad versions of this type of coming of age film and this is a middle-of-the-road version which is why I gave it 5 out of 10.

Fmovies: What the heck just happened? The WWE logo comes on, and a serious drama comes on. Is this a new effort to broaden out the WWE brand? This is a coming-of-age story of 12 year old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison) in 1965. He's a normal kid who's trying to survive school when Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) forces Andy with the school's biggest outcast the quiet giant red head Stanley (Alexander Walters).

Writer/Director Michael Pavone must have binge watched "The Wonder Years". This was filled with all the clichés, all the bully, all the first love drama, and even has the iconic older-self narration. Everything is jammed in there that it felt much more derivative than it needed to be. However to say something is derived from an icon like "The Wonder Years" isn't necessarily a bad thing.

There are so many "coming of age" stories out there now so do we really need another one? Yes, if it's done well and That's What I Am gets my vote for another addition to the genre.

Right of the bat the opening narration and the time setting reminded me of The Wonder Years, an excellent coming of age series set in the 60s. I felt I was in familiar territory and wondered if this would follow the episodes of TWY, where an older Kevin would narrate a particular episode in his young life which ended with a valuable lesson being learned. I wasn't to be disappointed as there are quite a few lessons this movie teaches: prejudice, courage, dignity, friendship, honour and tolerance.

The story's about a young "cool" kid being paired off with a social outcast, something which he's not very happy about. It might not sound like the most interesting premise and one would think that the movie would focus on their blossoming friendship but that's far from the truth. Instead, the story uses that point to focus on other issues in the 60s, issues that are mainstream and accepted today as norms but back then were new, and something to fear. There are several light moments, some dark ones, and some tear inducing moments that come at the right time and are just enough to make you smile and be glad that you watched the movie.

The acting is very good all round. Ed Harris, the most known name in the movie, is excellent in his somewhat supporting role. And that's the way it should be because the movie's about the kids in the school and not him, just in the way the movie's not all about Andy and Big G. One thing seems to remain the same...the social classes in schools back then were no different to those today. Sure, there were no EMO kids, no Goths, or preppy kids but there were still distinctions that are not so different from what we see in modern set teen high school movies.

All in all, this is definitely one to watch. If you liked The Wonder Years then you should definitely watch this movie as you'll feel right at home. This is one coming of age movie that will make you smile, and cry, and smile some more.

That's What I Am fmovies. Well i guess if you continue doing something eventually you will get better at it. Now i don't know if its either the cast hired on here or the WWE writers like i said are just getting better at it? Needless to say it was the best movie i have seen by the WWE as of yet. Actually it should be one i would suggest school's to acquire a copy of to show to their different class full of children as its portrays a great message on how to handle certain topics that unfortunately rear their ugly heads from time and time again. Homosexuality, bully ism and all prejudice against them. Now myself being a huge fan of the WWE's wrestling end of things i was brilliantly surprised by Randy Orton's role in this (even though if it is 5-10mins in total) film. I have seen Dwayne Johnson in the WWE's first feature Walking Tall, I even gave Cena a bit of credit for last year's Legendary but just watching Orton on screen and he just looked so natural doing it. I know there is a certain amount of acting in wrestling however they are not the best of actors however Randy seems like if he wanted to seriously think of another career if he ever got seriously injured he could quite definitely rely on acting to foot the bills. After some school bullies cannot get to their intended targets in school they take it upon themselves and make a compliant to their parents about the sexuality of their teacher Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) this causes a a parent in general who is much like his son to complain to the principal. So as you see the storyline just doesn't sit with the kids as the adults get a learning lesson throughout as well. Good family sit down movie!

Brilliant way to identify humanity, this movie will surely touch your heart and storm your mind, what is wrong with big G , is he bad only because he has big body features ?? Does it worth to have a smooth touch for someone who really need it ?? Do we have to be so rude to be special or simply search for the meaning of humanity and become a real human ?? Ed Harris was not just acting as a teacher he was really teaching all of us that human dignity means peace and humanity. Looking for real friends is not so difficult, friendship is not a word but an act and this vision is translated into a superb acting between Norman and Big G. I was really touched deeply by this movie and I recommend it for everyone.

Great performances by Ed Harris and entire cast that she'd light on bullying and growing up as a kid..Molly Parker really stole our hearts throughout the engaging and warm movie. And McG with his akwardness and charismatic ways had us on his side the entire film. Truly a well made film by WWE and they should make more films like this as opposed to their lesser Genre's. Remarkably made and great ending .Overall this motion picture had a very thought provoking message. I especially like the ending credits of where they are all now and by the way the Swedish Supermodel Yvette is the Famous model Yvette Rachelle. I highly recommend this movie for all ages as it has a great lesson to be learned by folks of all ages.