Yeah, as I watched the trailer, it looked to be just another coming-of-age movie set in the 1960s. A time of innocence, blah blah blah. However, That’s What I Am, has a different sort of story and is able to pull the curtain back a little more than other similar films about pre-adolescence. The story follows Andy (Chase Ellison), an average eighth grader who is paired up with the class outcast, Big G (Alexander Walters), in his English class by his teacher, Mr Simon (Ed Harris). Big G, as he’s called, is tall, awkward-looking and has bright red hair. But this really isn’t about them.
Rather than focusing the film on an outcast, the film follows an ordinary kid and his story of asking out a girl. There are more serious issues going on around him, but it’s really quite nice to see how that doesn’t concern him. As any teenager, he’s more concerned about his own life, but in the end is able to see how his actions can effect others.
Unlike in other teenage coming-of-age films, the supporting characters are well-formed and not just cutouts or stereotypes. Even smaller roles have complexities and give you just enough insight into their character. It’s difficult to have so many great characters and risk creating too much of a subplot, but this film manages it quite well.
What I also really enjoyed was the amazing wardrobe and set design. The clothes were nostalgic and vibrant without being too focused on the era. I imagine a viewing on Bluray will be gorgeous and I look forward to seeing it again.
One odd aspect was Randy Orton. I was not familiar with him(apparently known in WWE) before seeing the film, but as soon as he appeared on screen, I was immediately taken out of the film. His look and stature seemed very out of place. His acting was not bad, but he just seemed very uncomfortable in the clothes and awkward in his actions.
Ed Harris is always good in everything he does, so that’s no surprise. He’s the kind of actor that is so good that it’s expected and therefore he doesn’t get the attention he deserves. In due time he’ll have an Oscar on his mantle.
I highly recommend checking this out, if not in the theater, then definitely put it in your Netflix queue. It’s a different approach to the typical bully story.
Rating: Leaves you smiling. 8/10
In Limited Release now.
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