So I put that this contains spoilers, but In my opinion, they arent really even spoilers if you know even the very basics about Joe and Jadin Bell's stories in general, as at the time, their stories became pretty well know. But if you are someone who has never heard of them or their stories, then yea, some spoilers ahead.
Let me start off by saying that this isn't some insanely fantastic film by any means, but it is a good movie nonetheless, about the problem that bullying is in today's society, especially in schools. Bullying is responsible for many kids taking their own lives, or doing other drastic things, like school shootings due to all the built up anger and frustration, because they just couldn't take it any more, especially when they ask for help and essentially do not receive any of the help that they so desperately needed. I too was bullied growing up. Not for the same reasons that Jadin Bell was, but bullied nonetheless, and when you have so many of your peers telling you that you are a worthless loser, or fat, or gay, etc, it can become a lot to deal with, and after a while of the constant abuse, you start to actually question whether the bullies are right about you or not. Are you a worthless loser? Do you deserve the torment because you are gay? It can lead someone down a very dark path that unfortunately, way too often results in the person just deciding to end it all because they can't take it any more. It's a real shame too, because you never know what these kids could have grown up to be if they weren't tormented, or if they actually received the help that they asked for and needed. And this movie does a good job of showcasing that topic, and what it can do to the families of these kids as well. What stands out for me the most about this film is the honestly powerful performance given by Reid Miller as Jadin Bell. Watching this I couldn't help but wonder why this kid hasn't Booked A LOT more movies, or even tv series of some sort. This is the only thing I've seen him in, but from this movie alone he seems like he has some real talent, with a bright future as an actor. I see absolutely no reason at all why he wouldn't be having roles thrown at him left and right, from all corners of the film and tv industry lol. If this kids career doesnt take off after this movie gets around to all of Hollywood, then there is some crazy nonsense going on within the industry that needs to be looked into for sure. If not for his performance, I probably would have given this movie a 4 or 5 star rating, but with the powerful performance that Reid Miller gave, I rightfully bumped it up a few starts. Mark Wahlberg is his usual talented self of course, but his isn't the stand out performance in this movie in my opinion. That distinction, as I've basically said this entire review, goes to Reid Miller. Hopeful to see much more of his work in the future. Kid deserves it.
Let me start off by saying that this isn't some insanely fantastic film by any means, but it is a good movie nonetheless, about the problem that bullying is in today's society, especially in schools. Bullying is responsible for many kids taking their own lives, or doing other drastic things, like school shootings due to all the built up anger and frustration, because they just couldn't take it any more, especially when they ask for help and essentially do not receive any of the help that they so desperately needed. I too was bullied growing up. Not for the same reasons that Jadin Bell was, but bullied nonetheless, and when you have so many of your peers telling you that you are a worthless loser, or fat, or gay, etc, it can become a lot to deal with, and after a while of the constant abuse, you start to actually question whether the bullies are right about you or not. Are you a worthless loser? Do you deserve the torment because you are gay? It can lead someone down a very dark path that unfortunately, way too often results in the person just deciding to end it all because they can't take it any more. It's a real shame too, because you never know what these kids could have grown up to be if they weren't tormented, or if they actually received the help that they asked for and needed. And this movie does a good job of showcasing that topic, and what it can do to the families of these kids as well. What stands out for me the most about this film is the honestly powerful performance given by Reid Miller as Jadin Bell. Watching this I couldn't help but wonder why this kid hasn't Booked A LOT more movies, or even tv series of some sort. This is the only thing I've seen him in, but from this movie alone he seems like he has some real talent, with a bright future as an actor. I see absolutely no reason at all why he wouldn't be having roles thrown at him left and right, from all corners of the film and tv industry lol. If this kids career doesnt take off after this movie gets around to all of Hollywood, then there is some crazy nonsense going on within the industry that needs to be looked into for sure. If not for his performance, I probably would have given this movie a 4 or 5 star rating, but with the powerful performance that Reid Miller gave, I rightfully bumped it up a few starts. Mark Wahlberg is his usual talented self of course, but his isn't the stand out performance in this movie in my opinion. That distinction, as I've basically said this entire review, goes to Reid Miller. Hopeful to see much more of his work in the future. Kid deserves it.