Memorable, crazy movie

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

From the first words of this film you just know what you are in for: a "leave no cliché behind" clumsy attempt at recreating an "era." From the opening credits with TV ads and news reports of "those turbulent years" to the completely corny voice-over narration of the now-all-growed-up protagonist you know that you are in for a film about childhood seemingly written by someone who never had the experience himself. It's like the writer lived in the hospital during his formative years and only learned about this stuff from watching lousy 60s TV, or even worse, Happy Days which was a TV show depicting life in a fictional era. This movie is to adolescence in the 60s as Austin Powers is to spies of this time, except without the humor.Has there ever been a more cliché bully in all of cinema? Even if a bully like this one ever existed he would be more of a lame creation than a human being. A one dimensional socio-path doesn't even rate as a character in a crappy horror movie.There wasn't a single honest, authentic moment in this entire film.

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" (2011 DVD), writer, singer, whatever you want to be, favored English teacher Mr. Simon (Ed Harris) encourages 1965 students in their dreams. He pairs our Grade 8 narrator Andy (Chase Ellison) with Big G. (Alexander Walters), ginger, big-eared, for their big project. Stanley stands a foot taller than all, defends his fellow geeks, especially his best friend, the smallest student Norman (Daniel Yelsky), with dignity against the bullies. Andy learns tolerance, compassion, and resolve while pursuing his crush, the womanly ideal Mary (Mia Rose Frampton). Adults are drawn as individuals, larger than stereotypes: kind mother (Molly Parker), computer-literate father (Daniel Roebuck), concerned principal (Amy Madigan) who begs Mr. Simon to deny career-crushing rumor from a bully's parents.

Oh where to start? The hackneyed "The wonder years" commentary, the wise and kind teacher unwilling to compromise his principles, the cavalcade of set upon nerds, the unrelentingly violent and stupid bullies, the wisecracking fat kid, the overbearing father, the always sensible mother, the shy nice guy with a crush on the popular pretty girl - will he get her? won't he get her? well I won't spoil it for you. I could go on and on believe me, one cliché follows upon another tired old cliché. And another thing - the main kids hair is too long for 1965 ...... I know it's not important but like the rest of the film it's annoying. In the end young Andy learns a few of life's lessons; don't judge people by there appearance, stand up to bullies, be true to your principles etc,etc, we've seen it all before in a million other coming of age movies. Ed Harris' Mr. Simon is the best thing about this film. He's just so darn likable and dignified ..... damn those bigoted parents! Can't they see that this guy is the greatest teacher ever!!!! Anywho don't bother - If you want a coming of age flick go watch Goonies again.