That's What I Am (2011)

This movie is excellent, Students in school could learn a lot and it would teach them what bulling and being down right mean can do to a person. spreading ugly rumors about a person In this movie a teacher who had great skills to teach and the students who loved him. Saying that he was gay, or in the movie a homo. Just because he never remarried after his wife died. No facts, just someone wanting to hurt a person. Being the person in school that was bullied, and beat up, by students I can relate to this movie totally. One never knows about the hidden talent another person has. As shown in the talent show in the movie. This movie is a real eye opener to people who bully, and are just down right mean to other people. wonderful movie. I totally enjoyed it.

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.

When I saw this I didn't read anything about it. All I knew was that it was made by WWE and Randy Orton was in it. Obviously I jumped to conclusions and thought this movie was about fighting/wrestling. Another pointless movie. I was so surprised just watching the first 15 minutes. This movie is an eye opener. So much heart is in this movie. I fell in love with every one in it. Stanley "Big G" The big ginger smart guy that takes crap from everyone but doesn't let it get him down. Andy the kinda popular kid that has ended up befriending Stanley. The homosexual teacher who everyone loves. How the children don't judge him even though they are new to the whole sexuality. Mr Simon is the main homosexual teacher who is someone that would make the perfect teacher. Every school should have a teacher like him. He has respect for the pupils and the pupils respect him. And I loved him in the movie. He made the movie =) This movie is for everyone. People get bullied everyday. It gets worse everyday. All schools should show this to their pupils as it has a great message and kids could actually learn something from it. I give this movie a solid 9/10 A proper family film that everyone would enjoy =D

This film received a very positive review in the LA times so I rented it on Netflix where it can be seen well before it is released for sale. I have worked in education for over 40 years, so I particularly watch for films about school and teaching. I found this film to be more like an after-school special at first, with shades of Wonder Years, and was finding it too childish, as no middle schoolers used terms like "cooties" in the 60's. (More like 2nd graders maybe). But then the film turned more serious, and dealt with bullying and rumors of the teacher possibly being homosexual because he has been single for a long time, a notion fed by one of the bullies parents. One reviewer at this site decried that Ed Harris as the teacher should have resigned more in protest rather than quietly leave to visit his sister. But in the 60's, the society wasn't as tolerant of gays as today, and it would have seemed more wishful thinking than reality. The final 45 minutes were far better than the first scenes, and left me feeling I had seen a pretty good movie, albeit overly nostalgic and more like a TV movie. Still, I give it a 7, and think it is a worthwhile family film, especially for upper elementary and early secondary kids to watch with or without their parents. Ed Harris is very believable in his role, as is Chase Ellison and some of the other kids, who, unlike in most films about kids, actually looked about the age they were playing, instead of 3 or 4 years older.