Review for That's What I Am

That's What I Am is a wonderful coming of age story set in the 1960s. Andy (Chase Ellison) is an average kid, liked by most who soon finds himself paired with the school's biggest outcast Big G for a school project by teacher Mr Simon (Ed Harris). Andy has to face the problems that Big G (Alexander Walters) has to live with every day, who despite his freakish look is one of the most dignified pupils in the school. Their eventual bond in spite of all the problems goes far to prove to everyone Mr Simon's theory that Human Dignity+Courage=Peace.

When a rumour about Mr Simon's sexuality circles the school one of the bullies' Dad's Mr Freel (WWE Superstar Randy Orton) forces the school's principle to do something about it. Mr Simon refuses to admit or deny the question, as it should have no connection to his ability to teach in school. This leads to him having to make a decision that will affect his life forever.

I can't explain how much I enjoyed this film. It is such a shame that WWE didn't give this a full release as it is sad that it was only a limited release (as seems to be the norm with WWE releases) as I do think that this film would have done well. Ed Harris is wonderful in this role and Chase Ellison is definitely a great new young star as is Alexander Walters who may not have 'Hollywood' good looks, but I'm sure he can use his assets (particularly his size) to be seen more in the future. Even Randy Orton in his brief cameo was effective and though I don't think he could carry a film on his own, if he was cast as a villain it could work.

The film is not flashy; it is not full of special effects or action and only a few times made me laugh. However, its main purpose was to be almost a classic drama and in this respect it certainly worked. By the end I was completely connected with all these characters and the end scene with Big G singing is probably one of the most heart-warming things I have seen in a long time.

Extras include a blooper reel and a number of featurettes that look at everything from Randy Orton to getting that Sixties look. All of this is great, though it's doubtful whether you will watch them more than once.

That's What I Am is a great film, probably one of the best films to come out of the WWE Studios (which isn't that hard). Rather than go for action or screwball comedy, Director and Writer Michael Pavone has delivered a perfectly pitched drama that will appeal to everyone.