Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life – Budget of $8.5 million – 1 hour and 32 minutes

Note: This review is on the movie only and will not compare it to the book.

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Rafe Khatchadorian is starting his third and final school after being expelled from 2 previous schools. His mom, Jules, and younger sister, Georgia, are by his side to help him through this transition but warn him to stay out of trouble. Rafe comes in with a positive attitude until he meets Principal Dwight and Vice Principal Ida Stricker. They have created a Code of Conduct that has taken away all creativity and individuality from High Valley students. With the help of his new friend Leo, Rafe is trying to tow the line; but during an assembly, students see his notebook with Zombie Dwight drawings. This notebook lands in the hands of the Principal; and since it violates the Code of Conduct, the Principal destroys it. Rafe and Leo decided to fight back by anonymously breaking as many rules as they could. Once the pranks start, Principal Dwight tightens the reigns to flush out the culprit. Who will crack first?

Based on the best-selling novel, Middle School: The Worst Year of My Life by James Patterson, this is a complex story about facing loss, being yourself, and the downside to standardized tests (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It offers more than the standard “teen fight against the establishment” movie. It has real depth and soul. The music is fun and the animation is realistic for a middle school artist. There are a lot of jokes for parents and kids, but some just fall flat. Like typing LOL instead of laughing. This is a great matinee movie to see with the kids.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

I was just pulling it up to save time – Georgia

Quiet in the hallway. One of these days I will have a quiet hallway – Principal Dwight

Georgia thought I was going to end up in prison. But I think I am already here – Rafe

Expertly drawn boobs – Leo

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