That's What I Am (2011)

In 1965, 13 y.o. paperboy Andy is paired up with a geek on a project in the popular junior high teacher's class. Andy learns and grows from it.

Director:

Michael Pavone (as Mike Pavone)

Writer:

Michael Pavone (as Mike Pavone)

Stars:

Ed Harris, Chase Ellison, Molly Parker

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ed Harris	...	Mr. Simon
Chase Ellison	...	Andy Nichol
Molly Parker	...	Sherri Nichol
Daniel Roebuck	...	Jim Nichol
Randy Orton	...	Ed Freel
Daniel Yelsky	...	Norman Grunmeyer
Alexander Walters	...	Big G
Mia Rose Frampton	...	Mary Clear
Amy Madigan	...	Principal Kelner
Camille E. Bourgeois III	...	Jason Freel (as Camille Bourgeois)
Renwick D. Scott II	...	Dan Rainier
Jordan Reynolds	...	Ricky Brown
Vanessa Cloke	...	Irene Freel
Sarah Celano	...	Karen 'Cootie' Connor
Dalton Dare	...	Sam Nolan (as Dalton Zachary Mitchell)

Storyline

A coming-of-age story set in 1965 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. Everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. Simon (Ed Harris), pairs Andy with the school's biggest outcast and social pariah, Stanley, aka "Big G" (Alexander Walters), on a critical term project. Sporting thick orange hair, a head too big for his body and ears too big for his head, "Big G" has been the object of ridicule since grade school. Before long, Andy will learn that there was truly a method behind Mr. Simon's madness as to why he teamed these two up. As the story unfolds, Mr. Simon finds himself the target of a malicious rumor after Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan) suspends a school bully for brutally beating up a female classmate whom he thinks has "cooties." When Andy watches "Big G" fearlessly confront the school bully, a ...

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Plot Keywords:

dignity | ostracism | intolerance | bullying | rumormonger | 

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Taglines:

I'm a Teacher. I'm a Singer. I'm a Writer.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material throughout, language and some bullying

Did You Know?

Trivia

Randy Orton's film debut.

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Goofs

Norman made a reference to cop-related television programs that feature policemen speaking the phrase "you have the right to remain silent" to criminal suspects. However, the Miranda Warnings were not established until June 13, 1966.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: It has often been said that children are cruel. So goes the tale of Big G.
Mr. Simon: [reading to the class from Joan of Arc] Joan looked at the generals and said, my business is not with you. You have not craved the counsel of war. Then she turned toward the kings Privy Counsel and continued. No, it is with you, a counsel of war. It is amazing. Counsels of war have no value, but to decided between two or several doubtful courses. But a counsel of war when there is only one course?
Narrator: Big G had ...

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Crazy Credits

During the credits photos from the Eagles yearbook are accompanied by a brief description of the future of the main characters.

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Connections

Features Leave It to Beaver (1957)

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Soundtracks

Come And Get It
Written and Arranged by Eli 'Paperboy' Reed (as Eli Husock), Herschel Dwellingham, Ryan Spraker and Mike Montgomery
Performed by Eli 'Paperboy' Reed & The True Loves
Courtesy of Capitol Records
under license from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

What a Movie

Brilliant way to identify humanity, this movie will surely touch your heart and storm your mind, what is wrong with big G , is he bad only because he has big body features ?? Does it worth to have a smooth touch for someone who really need it ?? Do we have to be so rude to be special or simply search for the meaning of humanity and become a real human ?? Ed Harris was not just acting as a teacher he was really teaching all of us that human dignity means peace and humanity. Looking for real friends is not so difficult, friendship is not a word but an act and this vision is translated into a superb acting between Norman and Big G. I was really touched deeply by this movie and I recommend it for everyone.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Big Red

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1