This is quite possibly one of the top ten worst movies I have ever seen. The acting, especially by the dad, is absolutely horrific. But my 7 & 11 year old thought it was good (not great). My wife and I cringed so many times that when I started counting after 30 minutes, I lost track by the end of the movie. I cannot believe the high reviews which is why we watched it in the first place. A very LOW budget film. The plot is bad. The acting is bad. The directing is bad. It really is bad. The message in the end, however, is good. And while the pieces fall together, I will add that my youngest, who laughs when she farts said she thought it was good.
15 Reviews
Is it awful, no...
planktonrules22 March 2016
"How To Beat A Bully" is a new film that kids from about 7 to 12 will probably enjoy. It has very broad humor and there are lots of scatological references in the final 15 minutes of the film. I can picture in my mind kids rolling in laughter because of the rude jokes and silly situations. As for everyone else, the film is problematic. The acting and writing are such that most adults simply will turn off their brains or leave the room to let the kids enjoy it without them. As for younger kids, they probably won't understand much of the plot...though they, too, will probably love all the poop jokes near the end.
When the film begins, Cory and his family are packing up and moving from New Jersey to California. Not surprisingly Cory is not excited about the move but it becomes worse when he begins at a new school...where are plenty of bullies who are more than ready to make his life miserable. His father insists that Cory can talk his way out of any bully problems by using his words and Cory takes him literally. He soon orchestrates events to that the kids think Cory's father works for the mob. Soon, the kids' parents also begin believing the guy is a mobster. So, although Joe is only an insurance salesman, folks thing that he's an enforcer and 'insurance' is what folks have to pay in order to stay healthy! Eventually, however, this causes serious problems when a group of real mobsters think Joe is one of them...and by the end of the film things get very, very serious...seriously deadly. So it's up to Cory and his friends to save the day...presumably because calling the police would have been too difficult.
As I said already, the film has very broad humor and will not appeal to most adults. It clearly is thinking about things that kids would like however....rude, nasty jokes about farting, defecating and the like! If you don't mind your kids watching stuff like this, I'm pretty sure they'll enjoy it. For anyone else, however, if could be a very, very long movie.
By the way, like many new movies, the reviews that first are posted on IMDb are curious. I wouldn't even talk that glowingly about most Disney films...so why all the 10s?
When the film begins, Cory and his family are packing up and moving from New Jersey to California. Not surprisingly Cory is not excited about the move but it becomes worse when he begins at a new school...where are plenty of bullies who are more than ready to make his life miserable. His father insists that Cory can talk his way out of any bully problems by using his words and Cory takes him literally. He soon orchestrates events to that the kids think Cory's father works for the mob. Soon, the kids' parents also begin believing the guy is a mobster. So, although Joe is only an insurance salesman, folks thing that he's an enforcer and 'insurance' is what folks have to pay in order to stay healthy! Eventually, however, this causes serious problems when a group of real mobsters think Joe is one of them...and by the end of the film things get very, very serious...seriously deadly. So it's up to Cory and his friends to save the day...presumably because calling the police would have been too difficult.
As I said already, the film has very broad humor and will not appeal to most adults. It clearly is thinking about things that kids would like however....rude, nasty jokes about farting, defecating and the like! If you don't mind your kids watching stuff like this, I'm pretty sure they'll enjoy it. For anyone else, however, if could be a very, very long movie.
By the way, like many new movies, the reviews that first are posted on IMDb are curious. I wouldn't even talk that glowingly about most Disney films...so why all the 10s?
Ignore the high ratings for this movie
cbjose2818 October 2015
The acting was bad and the lines were like that of kids (babies') cartoon (maybe worse). It was compared to "home alone" and the "sopranos" but doesn't really deserve to be mentioned with those movies. The plot seemed interesting and the film could have been better but the delivery was awful. That's what spoiled the film for me.
It does touch on the theme of anti-bullying (as suggested) but that's about it. I don't think this film should be marketed to anyone over the age of 6 or 7.
I was mislead into watching the film (thinking it would be good) because the reviews and the ratings. I would suggest ignoring them for this title. If you do want to watch this movie, don't go in with any expectations.
It does touch on the theme of anti-bullying (as suggested) but that's about it. I don't think this film should be marketed to anyone over the age of 6 or 7.
I was mislead into watching the film (thinking it would be good) because the reviews and the ratings. I would suggest ignoring them for this title. If you do want to watch this movie, don't go in with any expectations.
Hilarious premise, non-stop laughs
mark-224527 October 2015
I'll admit, this isn't the kind of movie I normally watch, but I ended up really enjoying it. It takes on the subject of bullying without being preachy. I feel like the film makers really added a fresh perspective, and the final product is top tier.
This really is one the whole family can enjoy. Kids will get the jokes, and there's enough humor in there with a wink and a nudge that the grown- ups will enjoy, too. The premise of the movie itself is hilarious, and the writing never fails to deliver the laughs. And smart casting choices meant that the actors can actually pull off the punch lines! Perfect for a rainy evening in with the whole family.
This really is one the whole family can enjoy. Kids will get the jokes, and there's enough humor in there with a wink and a nudge that the grown- ups will enjoy, too. The premise of the movie itself is hilarious, and the writing never fails to deliver the laughs. And smart casting choices meant that the actors can actually pull off the punch lines! Perfect for a rainy evening in with the whole family.
Treat yourself to some unexpected fun
artistgp30 October 2015
I was excited to check this film out because you don't often see family movies coming out of the independent film world. The story is clever and endearing and the production value is great.
You'll be surprised how quickly you get wrapped up in the world of the crazy yet relatable little town (key being that all towns are crazy to some degree).
While family films aren't my normal viewing practice there's nothing wrong with giving the thriller/drama/horror genres a break for one night while you enjoy some good family fun. I think you'll be surprised how good of a time you'll have.
You'll be surprised how quickly you get wrapped up in the world of the crazy yet relatable little town (key being that all towns are crazy to some degree).
While family films aren't my normal viewing practice there's nothing wrong with giving the thriller/drama/horror genres a break for one night while you enjoy some good family fun. I think you'll be surprised how good of a time you'll have.
Everyone should watch this movie!
emb-5288125 October 2015
How To Beat A Bully hilarious and great for all ages! The writing is witty and extremely well done.
The actors brought the lines to life and had great comedic timing.
Although bullying can be a serious subject, this movie brings light to the situation while also making a huge impact. It presents a great message that comedy and humor can be found in any and all situations. I highly recommend this movie. It is especially great for the younger generation. The jokes are not limited to one specific age group and it's a good family movie.
I watched this with my college roommates who thought it was extremely funny, relatable and insightful. I give this movie and 10/10. Well done!
The actors brought the lines to life and had great comedic timing.
Although bullying can be a serious subject, this movie brings light to the situation while also making a huge impact. It presents a great message that comedy and humor can be found in any and all situations. I highly recommend this movie. It is especially great for the younger generation. The jokes are not limited to one specific age group and it's a good family movie.
I watched this with my college roommates who thought it was extremely funny, relatable and insightful. I give this movie and 10/10. Well done!
Well done, laugh out loud, family movie.
ericasimonsen10 January 2016
I found out about this movie when the writer and executive producer, Marilyn Anderson, posted about the movie in a film industry Facebook group I am also a member of. I knew my son would enjoy it because of the type of film it was regarded to be similar in style to, but I thought I would be groaning silently to myself as I have with other movies he has watched.
This was further from the truth. Not only was my son laughing out loud, my husband and I found ourselves genuinely laughing along with him. The actors were great in line delivery without over acting to make the movie cheesy. This is the type of movie we would pay to see in movie theaters.
My son has already watched this two more times today since our first viewing last night and as we have 5 more days of rental (Thanks, Amazon!) we will be sure to see it at least a dozen more times this week. Needless to say, when the DVD comes out, we will be purchasing a copy. I highly recommend this to everyone, whether you have kids or not.
This was further from the truth. Not only was my son laughing out loud, my husband and I found ourselves genuinely laughing along with him. The actors were great in line delivery without over acting to make the movie cheesy. This is the type of movie we would pay to see in movie theaters.
My son has already watched this two more times today since our first viewing last night and as we have 5 more days of rental (Thanks, Amazon!) we will be sure to see it at least a dozen more times this week. Needless to say, when the DVD comes out, we will be purchasing a copy. I highly recommend this to everyone, whether you have kids or not.
Lots of Laughs - perfect for the whole family!
hero-112 November 2015
I have to say: this film really surprised me. Not sure why I even decided to watch it. And the FILM DELIVERS! I really love 'message' pictures that deliver without pounding the pulpit, and I love them even more when they get their message across with humor!
Cleverly written; the story moves along without a hitch; the basic plot line is incredibly funny; the casting was really perfect; the performances are well done; kids will 'get' the jokes; plenty of humor for adults too.
It's a pretty perfect little Indie flick. And if you're looking for family fair, this is an amazing candidate.
Cleverly written; the story moves along without a hitch; the basic plot line is incredibly funny; the casting was really perfect; the performances are well done; kids will 'get' the jokes; plenty of humor for adults too.
It's a pretty perfect little Indie flick. And if you're looking for family fair, this is an amazing candidate.
Funny and wonderful movie!
Artistsoul123 May 2018
A Message for our Times!
geminusjo29 August 2020
If there was ever a time to watch this movie, it's now. The world is full of bullies. It's up to us to find a way to stand up to them.
This movie should be required viewing in every school system across America. I loved the positive message and hope that enough teachers and parents take the time to watch with their students and children.
Watch and discuss. That's your homework during the pandemic!
This movie should be required viewing in every school system across America. I loved the positive message and hope that enough teachers and parents take the time to watch with their students and children.
Watch and discuss. That's your homework during the pandemic!
loved how to beat a bully
backto1-25 March 2016
This movie was very enjoyable to watch. The acting was very good. This movie should be watched by the whole family. It's a wonderful family movie that parents and their kids can watch together. I liked how the film has an underlying theme about bullying where the bullied kid used friendship to win over his bullies and became friends. This was a fun movie that my nephew & niece watched over & over again. The writing was clever and fun. For a indie film, I thought the movie was well done. The kid who played the lead Cory did a great job and his parents did a great job as well. I liked how the kids took matters into their own hands and saved Cory's father from the mobsters. It showed how kids can be friends. i thought it was very funny that the local mobsters and there were only 3 of them mistook the father, Joe to be a henchman from another mob gang from the East coast when he was actually an insurance salesman. The father & mother were positive role models in the way they showed their son how to make friends w/bullies in his class.
Clever premise with fun and laughs!
karriebw5 March 2016
Surprisingly fun film! Lots of clever lines and good surprises in this family film. The family in it is very likable - and seem like they could be a family on one of the TV comedy shows. The father, mother and young son all have a vulnerability that is charming and endearing. They seem real and believable. Moving to a new town is always challenging - and here we follow the family that gets into trouble - but in a different way than we've seen before. The father- son relationship is also quite good. It shows caring but not sappiness. When the boy gets attacked by bullies, it could be even stronger - but seems like they wanted to keep it lighthearted all the way through. It's unusual to see a comedy film that tries to end with a message about "stopping bullying" - but this one does it with funny twists and turns rather than making it shocking and sad. Overall, have to say many lines were laugh-out- loud, and the young actors did a really good job. For a small film with no name actors, everyone did commendable acting and made it work as a nice family comedy. Had the flavor of a "Home Alone" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." Enjoyed it with the kids. Definitely laughed out loud in a number of places.
Delightful family film with a moral
iraheffler7 June 2016
Indie films tend to be either high concept or character driven with lots of angst. It's so refreshing to see this indie film – a family comedy. And it's well executed.
It's even more refreshing to see the serious subject of bullying tackled in a humorous yet satisfying way. The story line is clever and the whole movie works.
It's well shot and well acted. The parents do a terrific job, and the kids are infectious.
How to Beat a Bully is a well-made movie that tackles a very real social problem that has a good moral and that's enjoyable and fun to watch!
It's even more refreshing to see the serious subject of bullying tackled in a humorous yet satisfying way. The story line is clever and the whole movie works.
It's well shot and well acted. The parents do a terrific job, and the kids are infectious.
How to Beat a Bully is a well-made movie that tackles a very real social problem that has a good moral and that's enjoyable and fun to watch!
Funny Movie with Confusing Message
benghill12 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Though I did find this movie fun and some of the characters lovable, this movie did not meet my expectations. The movie centers around Cory, a 12 year old boy who moves to a new town after his father loses his job. At his new school, Cory is bullied by his classmates, as new kids often are. They steal his lunch and squirt him with a water gun, but don't seem to cause any physical harm. Cory does not stand up for himself or tell his teacher. Instead he decides to scare the bullies with a lie that ends up almost killing his father. The bullies all become Cory's friends out of fear that his father will kill them. Cory would rather have friends who hang out with him because they are scared of him, then try to find people who like him for who he is. They all seem to like Cory after a while, as none of the bullies were actually mean people. They were just doing some new kid hazing or something. Eventually, some real mobsters take Cory's father. Cory reveals the truth to his friends, who are not at all mad at him for threatening their lives. They help him rescue his father, instead of calling the police. At the end of the movie everyone is safe, Cory has a lot of friends, and he does not suffer any consequences for his actions.
The title of this movie is misleading. A lot of it is not even about bullying, but about the dangers of lying. Cory also seems to bully the other kids way more than they bully him, even if it is in self-defense.
What lesson is this movie trying to teach us? It does not teach us to stand up for ourselves or ever go to adults for help. It doesn't teach us that bullying is wrong or any realistic way to deal with bullying. It basically makes bullying seem like a joke. The message appears to be that spreading rumors is an effective way to make friends and stop bullying and will not have any consequences. This is fine for a stupid kids movie, but nothing in this movie can be applied to real life.
The title of this movie is misleading. A lot of it is not even about bullying, but about the dangers of lying. Cory also seems to bully the other kids way more than they bully him, even if it is in self-defense.
What lesson is this movie trying to teach us? It does not teach us to stand up for ourselves or ever go to adults for help. It doesn't teach us that bullying is wrong or any realistic way to deal with bullying. It basically makes bullying seem like a joke. The message appears to be that spreading rumors is an effective way to make friends and stop bullying and will not have any consequences. This is fine for a stupid kids movie, but nothing in this movie can be applied to real life.
What a great movie!
richard-3643131 August 2020
The need to stop bullying in schools is a major issue for our society. "How to Beat a Bully" conveys this important message with humor, which is especially attractive because often movies with a deliberate message are "heavy-handed." At every turn, the plot was surprising and ingenious. There are so many fine touches in the dialogue. All the children are fantastic actors-on par with the acting in "Stand by Me." Children will LOVE this movie! "How to Beat a Bully" deserves to be more famous than "Home Alone."
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