I always assumed that WWE Studios would do better in the action and horror genres. Comedy was always hit or miss for them (see Knucklehead for proof), romance didn’t seem to fit their agenda and drama seemed like a successful relative who wanted nothing to do with its less-than-stellar family. As it turns out, that successful relative has used its wealth for good and helped out those closest to it.
Last September, WWE Studios released Legendary, a drama centering around a broken wrestling family that is trying to glue the pieces back together. Judging by the trailers and the studio releasing it, I, just like many others, expected a dud. Instead, I was treated to a formulaic yet well-told story that was both uplifting and well-acted (it did have Patricia Clarkson and Danny Glover, to its credit).
That’s What I Am, the latest drama from Vince McMahon’s XFL of the film variety, is no Legendary. The story isn’t as heartwarming and the acting, though some of it is good, is a little rough around the edges (Ed Harris excluded, of course). The writing and direction, both helmed by Michael Pavone, also stumble where Legendary flourished.
With that being said, the film is still rather good, though nothing more than that. It’s easily their second best effort to date, which has perplexed me beyond belief. As much as I love the WWE, they’ve never shown me that they were capable of effective drama. The only time is when it’s something personal, such as Christian winning the World Heavyweight Championship or the passings of Owen Hart and Eddie Guerrero.
Believe it or not, they can elicit good drama. At least, the writers for WWE Films can. Though Pavone stumbles a bit in this area, he does invoke a compelling story with a righteous message. When dealing with the adults, the film works splendidly. It’s when his focus is on the children, the main focal point of the tale, that he struggles from time to time.
That’s What I Am centers around Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), an eight grader who is going through puberty and is confused by the world around him. Like most of us at that age, he believes that popularity is the true key to happiness. When he’s paired up with Stanley a.k.a. Big G (Alexander Walters), the school’s biggest loser (literally), he feels as if his life has taken a turn for the worse.
What he learns is that it’s not who you’re friends with, but who you are that makes you happy. Despite being continually tormented, Stanley stands up for himself and doesn’t let bullies such as Ricky Brown (Jordan Reynolds) tarnish his self esteem. Unbeknownst to his loud and cantankerous best friend, Norman Gunmeyer (Daniel Yelsky), he aspires to be a singer and plans on showcasing his talents at the Talent Show, despite the eventual hazing.
He gets his self confidence from his favorite teacher, Mr. Simon (Ed Harris). Voted best teacher in California, he embodies good will and heart and does his best to pass on his knowledge to his students. That’s why he pairs up Andy and Stanley, so the two of them can grow and discover themselves. He also stands up for the bullied, including Karen Connor (Sarah Celano), who was severely whipped with a jacket by Jason Freel (Camille Bourgeois) because she has cooties.
This gets Mr. Simon into hot water with Jason’s father, Ed (Randy Orton, who does well with his small role), who has recently discovered a rumor that Simon’s a homosexual. Since the film is set in the 1960’s, this doesn’t go over well with the parents of the town, including Andy’s neglectful father, Jim (Daniel Roebuck). Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan) does her best to stand by her best teacher, but can’t reason with him to simply deny the rumors. He believes, whether it be true or not, that his standings as a teacher should trump his personal life. He also wants to send a message to his students that it doesn’t matter if you’re different.
When Michael Pavone focuses on this aspect of the story, he excels wildly. He handles the actors well and lets his message flow freely. There are times in the film where I felt as if he was forcing it down our throats, as opposed to letting it sink in on its own. Here, he doesn’t suffer from that dilemma. He gets his message across clearly, thanks to the support of tremendous actors such as Ed Harris.
When focusing on Andy’s first love in Mary Clear (Mia Rose Frampton), Pavone finds himself at a disadvantage. Not only does he jam the message in our faces, he also has trouble controlling the two youngsters, as well as writing them. Mia Rose does well for herself, but Chase seems (rightfully) nervous and lost at times, for which I put the blame on Pavone. This being one of Chase’s first big roles, it’s understandable for him to show signs of weakness. It’s how he learns. Pavone, on the other hand, has been in this business for awhile and should know better.
Mia Rose Frampton may fare better, but her character doesn’t. She’s described as being the “Queen of Making Out,” as she’s gone steady with the majority of the eight grade. Not only does this send out the wrong message, but she’s not the strong female love interest that Andy needs. Never did I feel she was interested in him for who he was. Just like he thought many times, it came across as if she had her way with the other guys and he was next in line. Though this may ring true for eighth graders nowadays (sadly), I highly doubt it’s reminiscent of middle school in the 60’s.
Out of the teenagers, Stanley is the best written, mainly due to the fact that his character is the most mature. Despite his young age, he’s been through a lot in his life and has risen above it. While his fellow classmates are starting to learn about life and love, he has already done so and is making an effort to figure out his life. He has a way to go, but starting early can’t hurt.
Alexander Walters also fares the best out of the child actors, taking on his role like a pro. While the other young actors are overshadowed by Ed Harris, he holds his weight and proves his worth. This makes the character of Stanley that much better, as he’s not only someone the viewer can relate to, but he’s also played with confidence. Walters has a tremendous career ahead of him!
That’s What I Am may stumble throughout its one hour and forty minute time length, but it gets the right message across. Be yourself and never give up. You can’t change the world and make bullies be nice people. However, you can ignore their actions and be a nice person yourself, which in turn makes the world and your life better. For that, I’m forgiving of the film’s mistakes and am warranting it a worthwhile view, especially for those who have been bullied.
Final Rating: B