American Bully focuses on the topic of American prejudice towards foreign cultures after the horrific events of 9/11, one of Americas most darkest times where their nation became over zealous in their pride and selfishness, isolating themselves from Middle Eastern nations to the point where a shade of skin or a grown beard is considered a threat on their way of life.
The story follows 4 everyday American teens, Matt, the main, has been expelled from his school for showing a live decapitation video(not shown) to an Indian who he assumes is middle eastern of origin. Seething inside and like any other teenager, decides to party with his friends before he is shipped out to Iraq where his brother is serving. It is until the group come across the helpless kid that had accidentally gotten Matt expelled does the situation go from bad to worse as the American boys themselves submit to the extremists they think they're not.
Fantastic idea but was sadly poorly executed and focused too little on the tension that could have made this film gripping. Most of the actors didn't have much to really work with so it came out as a poor performance.
It is possible that American's could appreciate the film more for living with this type of prejudice right outside their door but fell short anywhere outside their native shores. For similar but a more driven movie, I suggest 'Unthinkable'.
I give American Bully a 3/10
