Lars Wick This was a great movie - hilarious, even though I was definitely skeptical of Robert Pattinson's acting ability - and the premise was really too funny and too fitting for way too many people. Art is so pathetic. I swear, it was like watching a high brow Napoleon Dynamite. I wouldn't call the humor British. I mean, it's essentially the same as what you see in a lot of ridiculous, character-driven comedies where the characters themselves are totally unaware of just how funny they're being. The humor is just very dead pan, and I think some people watch the film expecting something more sophisticated or thoughtful. Sure, it's more profound than Napoleon Dynamite, but the idea of simultaneously gawking at and rooting for such a bizarre and socially impotent character is basically the same in both films. This is really among my favorite movies, just because it captures that strange moment of self-loathing self-obsession that lots of people go through right around the time of the quarter life crisis.

MadameGeorge 'How To Be' starts off strong but quickly turns into a drawn-out yawn of a movie. The plot progresses slowly and the character development of Art, played by a blasé Robert Pattinson, turns the viewer from understanding and caring (about what happens to his relationships) to annoyance. His mates are, in my opinion, there to fill the gaps in the story- they really never help Art in his quest for 'normal' and to be blunt- it was too difficult to understand what they were saying (at one point I had to turn on the subtitles so I knew what was going on) this is never a good sign.There is hope, however, for the young Mr. Pattinson. Though Art seems like a lost cause from the first moment he lies, Robert in a small way- keeps this movie a float. At some points Art is such a downer (which is brought on by his own doing) that I found it hard to 'put' myself through the rest of the movie. There are comedic moments when Pattinson is charming and moments when he holds your attention (close to the end) but it does not change the outcome of the overall film witch just leads one to believe- yes, sometimes we all need a little help- and in this case it is the film that needs it.'How To Be' could be considered an art house flick but it is 100% and Indie drama. The settings are the streets of England and the overall production creates the feeling that you are standing in the midst of their conversations (when you can understand them) and the music helps the movie along nicely, but then again the music is by and large,too drab.

Gabrielle Lajoie In my opinion, I thought this was a wonderful film for anybody who can relate. I've recently lived through this type of situation and the confusion, sadness and disjointedness Art feels trough out the film is all very... what word would be best to describe this... exact. Or almost. The film has been given the title of a comedy and, I agree. Though the production is more of a drama, you do have your sudden outbursts of laughter in those unexpected moments of comedic weirdness. I also appreciated the range of different actors in the film. It's in these types of movies you can actually see real acting talent. It's a must watch for any teen who is lost right now.

hillklimczak How To Be is an independent film written and directed by Oliver Irving. Humor and anguish are expertly integrated into the story of Art Freeman (played exquisitely by Robert Pattinson), a twenty-something lovable loser who feels that his life is less than it should be. The movie follows Art along a path of discovery and maturity, both for himself and his life-long friend, the agoraphobic Ronny (a superb performance by Johnny White). Art spends his time working at a local grocery store and volunteering in an attempt to make something of his life; although his true passion is his songwriting and performing. When his girlfriend, Jessica (Alisa Arnah) dumps him he is forced to move back into his parents' house; a situation that is made more uncomfortable by his mother's (Rebecca Pidgeon) reaction that it was simply "a matter of time." Art's self-loathing leads him to the self-help section of a bookstore. It is there that he finds his glimmer of hope when he discovers the book, It's Not Your Fault by Dr. Ellington (another great performance by Powell Jones). Not only does Art read the book religiously, but he spends his inheritance to bring the author to his home to personally help him through his life. As expected, comedy ensues. But along with the hilarity there is an ample amount of melancholy. Art's parents are not the nurturing, loving parents that every child needs. He is a constant disappointment to them, and they make no qualms about telling him this. His seemingly unfeeling mother nearly collapses while trying to prevent him from hugging her! They offer him absolutely no support in his dream of becoming a musician. Oliver Irving's creative mix of eclectic characters provides the audience with a wide variety of humor. The story is captivating and the acting is accomplished. It is altogether a brilliant film, worthy of the honors it has received. And, from this reviewer's standpoint, if one wants to put an entire theater of women into a frenzy…have Robert Pattinson say the line "I have an erection." Well done, Oliver!!