That's What I Am

Positive—This is a really good, thought-provoking movie, that brings a lot of laughs to boot! Parents may not want younger children to watch it, because this film covers the delicate subjects of puberty and homosexuality, but it comes from a completely naive and innocent perspective, and might spark (as it did in my family) important discussions among older kids about how dangerous it is to spread rumors without knowing the facts… also, how important it is to show Christ’s light in us by treating everyone with kindness and respect, even if they don’t believe the same things we do.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—Kadie Jo, age 19 (USA)

Negative—My wife and I were unprepared for the barrage of on-screen immorality that we would receive from having viewed this film in its entirety. As a matter of fact, the only reason that we finished it was to complete our notes about it.

To sum up my review: I do not recommend this movie to any age group. It is offensive on numerous levels to Christians and non-Christians alike. I had read a synopsis about the movie and decided that it would be a cute movie about kids struggling with bullies in a time period where behavior was cleaner. And, like most movies of its genre, it would have a redeeming ending where lessons were learned by all. I was terribly mistaken.

The child actors used vile language a lot. They were violent towards each other. The Lord’s name was used in vain repeatedly. The girl whom the main character likes has “gone steady with everyone else.” All the boys liked her because she was the most promiscuous. She requires “payment” (in the form of a gift) before she will “go steady” with anyone. She times the boys with a stopwatch, as if payment only buys so much time. The boy’s mother approves of and encourages the boy to “go steady,” though never clarifies what all activities that includes.

The bully’s father (a bully himself) seems to be the only one who has a problem with the teacher being a homosexual, as if anyone who disagrees with the lifestyle is one of these. It paints homosexual behavior as having nothing to do with character.

There is no redemption in the end of the movie. The bullies are still bullies. The girl is still a prostitute in the making. The boy just gains some self confidence and that’s supposed to be enough. And, just when you think that the offensive movie is finally over, the credits also include “where are they now” biographies of several of the characters. This includes the mentioning of illegal drug use and some additional offensive language. Don’t watch the movie. You aren’t missing anything.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2
—Levi, age 32 (USA)