Rotten
Since a large portion of the film is taken up with the theme of school bullying, it may have some contemporary relevance, but good intentions do not always a good movie make.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
That's What I Am
I'm a teacher. I'm a singer. I'm a writer.
2011 · 1h 41m · PG
Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Directed by
Michael Pavone
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That's What I Am
Overview
A coming-of-age story that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol, 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.
Director and cast
- Michael Pavone Director
- Chase Ellison as Andy Nichol
- Ed Harris as Mr. Simon
- Molly Parker as Sherri Nichol
- Mia Rose Frampton as Mary Clear
- Amy Madigan as Principal Kelner
- Renwick D. Scott II as Dan Rainier
- Randy Orton as Ed Freel
- Yvette Rachelle as Yvette Swedish Supermodel
- Jordan Reynolds as Ricky Brown
- Daniel Yelsky as Norman Grunmeyer
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
55%
Tomatometer
Fresh
An entertaining, well-made plea for tolerance...
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Fresh
A forgettable title and a barely there theatrical release don't do justice to the captivating and nostalgic coming-of-age dramedy "That's What I Am"...
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
Fresh
Mr. Harris's depiction of a saintly, soft-spoken, bow-tie-wearing middle-school teacher lends the movie a moral weight it probably couldn't have summoned had another actor played the role.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Rotten
A placard preceding the film's title card assures that it's "inspired by true events," but the note is unnecessary, given the limpness of the narrative arcs. Who would make up such an anticlimactic story?
Alison Willmore, AV Club
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