biased_perspective 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 these things. But like I said, my youngest, who laughs when she farts said she thought it was good.

MartinHafer "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?

karriebw 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.

hero-11 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.