That's What I Am

"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.

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!

"That's What I am" is a wonderful film that had a VERY limited run and died at the box office. It's very sad, as the film really was very touching and enjoyable....and it nearly earned a 9 from me.

Andy (Chase Ellison) is an 8th grader back in 1965 and like nearly all his classmates, they love their English teacher, Mr. Simon (Ed Harris). He's a very decent and compassionate man...and tries very hard to instill these values in his students. One of these actions is pairing up Andy with 'Big G' (Alexander Walters)...a very awkward and huge kid who only has a few friends. While Andy isn't Mr. Popularity or a tough kid, he likes being average and accepted...and he's worried that being paired with Big G will somehow destroy him image. The film is about this, some ugly rumors about Mr. Simon, and about being decent to each other.

There is a lot to this story, though it all boils down to this decency....kids learning to treat each other well and accepting the diversity in those around them. It does NOT come off as ultra-PC or preachy...just a lovely story with really nice acting. In many ways, it's like a drama merged with the TV show "The Wonder Years"...but with much more depth. Well worth seeing and, as usual, Harris is simply amazing.

A coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers.

That's what I am is a WWE film, which caught my attention because the film was actually amazing! The film, acting, and everything is all very real and captures middle school just as it is. I was very surprised by this and wish the average was a little higher than a 7. Parents to kids: The film touches very deep and suggestive materials that some might find no suitable. Not a problem for me, but as seeing how people can get a little strict about that stuff, just calling it out there. The acting is very good and very real and they took as I can see a long time trying to capture the emotions. Not really that great as I put it, but they did a very well job. And even to add on to that, this is a WWE film which is a big step up for them and if they could continue making movies like this, that'd be great. So. I highly recommend this to anyone who well has good taste in movies and can learn to surpass the WWE sign popping up before the movie. 7/10.

what a refreshing film! though of course somewhat derivative (what schoolteacher drama is not these days!?) That's What I Am still manages to surprise and even delight in moments. I wandered into the Quad cinema looking for whatever was playing on a Sun afternoon, so expectations were very low, and I had not heard of this film--upon seeing the poster almost decided to read a book instead. but I went in, and very glad that I did. Ed harris is fantastic as the teacher we all wished we had. But the conflict of the story does not end in some far fetched deus ex machina, and yet...it paints a redeeming picture of humanity despite an equally visible and counter-vailing reality of distrust and salem witch hunting. I would recommend this for all ages (middle school and up) and think you will find it to be a very rewarding way to spend a couple of hours. I hope this film goes forward so more can see it.