artmed
Although it may "relate" to being a 13 yo (pick any time in the past thousand years), this is a totally dated yawn. Its a tough period of life, no doubt, but that in itself cannot recommend this film. (My three is high.) All I can attribute to the raves is the reviewers' own hella year.
The clueless dad is interesting only in his omissions: single moms, teenagers' privacy, *any discipline whatsoever, and why he left his daughter's teeth so twisted into high school. Fail.
Dads win custody so rarely IRL, in fact, that the omission of any Why is radically unrealistic.
Craft loses to lack of content and time-limitedness by trying to be *quite so hip. This film is outdated by December.
WHEN will phones be banned in schools? JEEEZus
pinkarray
While I may be biased as a home-schooler who has never been to middle school, I couldn't relate to this film very much so as a 13-year-old, I was a happy and carefree child. The only aspect I can relate to is Kayla's electronic addiction and naivety. But I just felt she was a drama queen who pushes away her dad and mopes about being called the most quiet (I don't see anything wrong with being quiet). So, later in the film, she tries to fit in by being talkative and outgoing.So, all I could say is the film isn't for me. I guess I was expecting a more light-hearted film rather than a drama about moody, awkward 13-year-olds. I think Kayla's going through a time where she needs a mother.The only aspects I can commend the film for is its depiction of social media, its positive message, and the acting.
ryanbartlett-870-746486
A fantastic interpretation of the life of a middle schooler. From beginning to end this film captures a feeling not normally associated with the cinema; awkwardness. This is not your typical comedy, not your typical drama, it almost lives in its own world of heart wrenching awkwardness that is griping. Bolstered by one of the most impressive performances I have seen this year in Elsie Fisher, which acting only a few years younger than her age may not be too impressive to people. However, to capture awkwardness in a way that isn't cheesy or cringy is hard to pull off.
Secondly, a huge opening to Bo Burnham career. A man high up in the comedian's world, took a gamble in the movie industry; which proves over and over again that it is not as easy as it looks, even the tried and true professionals screw up. But Burnham came into the scene with a poorly timed band concert and won over our hearts. He definitely will be getting phone calls to run it back for whatever his next venture may be. Even if the follow up isn't very good, you can't just hit it and quit it on a movie this well made.
Overall Eight Grade may connect with only a somewhat small sample-size of 20-30-year old's who lived through the awkward middle school years in some part of the internet era. At the end of the day this is Burnham's take on not necessarily his childhood, but one he can understand well. This is a highly recommended film from myself, even if it isn't your cup of tea, it is definitely a movie to watch and to feel awkwardness to your core for even the first time.
beastlypinky
Eighth Grade is Bo Burnham's first directorial debut outing and he does and outstanding job creating a real feeling environment and great commentary on today's changing society for specificity 8th graders. But this film I feel also works very well for all ages and how things that people say they do or try to do for others sometimes doesn't always work out. The main actress (Elsie Fisher) does a fantastic job in the film, and also the father in the movie (Josh Hamilton). They help bring the movie to life and really show how real and hard life can be. Though sometimes the story beats can feel similar to other movies the movie helps bring it up above others. Many laughs and tears will come upon you during this movie but it always feels genuine. Such a amazingly written and directed movie. Overall this film is Great (8). Though the strong characters and commentary on how tennagers see the world and how it is always changing, this movie really feels like it was directed by a 8th grader. In a good way! Where it might of faulted is some story decisions that can be seen about a mile away. But overall highly recommend this movie. Had a great time!