How to Be

NR 5.4
2008 1 hr 25 min Drama , Comedy

A young man having an existential crisis convinces a Canadian self-help guru to come to London and become his personal life coach.

  • Cast:
    Robert Pattinson , Jeremy Hardy , Rebecca Pidgeon , Gary Moore

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Reviews

VeteranLight
2008/01/18

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

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Glimmerubro
2008/01/19

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

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Merolliv
2008/01/20

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

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Calum Hutton
2008/01/21

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

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M. Burke
2008/01/22

I thought this movie was excellent. I didn't see the "comedy," but I've never understood British humor. It was very well acted. After a few moments, I no longer saw Pattinson, just Art. As a huge Pattinson/Cullen fan, that speaks volumes for his acting talent. Pattinson is far more than a pretty face. He brings to life all of Art's insecurities and anxieties - I felt all of that. I wanted to grab him, shake him, and scream at him to get over it, already. This wasn't a light-hearted movie that you sit back and relax with - be prepared to feel a wide range of emotions. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys character pieces.

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Gabrielle Lajoie
2008/01/23

In my opinion, I thought this was a wonderful film for anybody who can relate. I've recently lived through this type of situation and the confusion, sadness and disjointedness Art feels trough out the film is all very... what word would be best to describe this... exact. Or almost. The film has been given the title of a comedy and, I agree. Though the production is more of a drama, you do have your sudden outbursts of laughter in those unexpected moments of comedic weirdness. I also appreciated the range of different actors in the film. It's in these types of movies you can actually see real acting talent. It's a must watch for any teen who is lost right now.

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Brense
2008/01/24

Definitely an above average film. I went to the Chicago screening of How to Be, of course Rob Pattinson (Art) drawing me in. I had no expectations, just a free night to see what else this guy could do.The movie did not disappoint. The story line and direction was great and I actually found myself feeling sorry for Art. Poor Art is somewhat of an insecure gullible, goofy guy who just wants to be validated. His mother calls him an "oxymoron". He reaches out to his friends who couldn't care less about his feelings.His friends Nikki (Mike Pearce) and Ronny (Johnny White) are just as pathetic as he is. I thought Mike Pearce's character was a great complement to Art. His break dancing and skateboarding techniques cracked me up.The movie was filled with quick one line zingers that will make you laugh out loud. Though I must say, the people in the theatre were crazed for Rob Pattinson. From the onset, one single move/word from Rob and the theatre was howling with laughter. I thought I was a fan, but when he had a line or even a simple shifting of his eyes people were so vocal. It was a bit distracting. So it is probably best the film is going to On-Demand so you can really appreciate the story line and all the other actors/characters in the movie.Oliver Irving => great job on the writing, direction, casting, improv's. I will be looking for your future movies!

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michelle-bird
2008/01/25

I was one of the lucky ones to see this movie at Slamdance. I absolutely loved this movie. "This is not your typical Robert Pattinson movie. He doesn't play a good-looking, heart-throb. Robert plays Art, an insecure, confused, depressed, misfit who has no direction, no real social skills, and no support from his parents. His only love is music, but he sucks at that too. After the break up from his girlfriend, he basically looses it and has to move back in with his parents. This is his struggle to become "normal" so his parents and friends will accept and love him. He even goes to the extreme of hiring a self-help professional to help him. You will feel so sad for Art – trust me! Don't get me wrong, this movie contains endless British humor to lighten the subject up. A wonderful independent movie with a great message. A job well done for Robert Pattinson.

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