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8

KeithDowJul 29, 2018

Bo Burnham's 'Eighth Grade' is just as nuanced and sweet and achingly grounded in reality as one would expect from the Youtube star, comedian, and musician.

The opening monologue from Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher, posits that she has a lotBo Burnham's 'Eighth Grade' is just as nuanced and sweet and achingly grounded in reality as one would expect from the Youtube star, comedian, and musician.

The opening monologue from Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher, posits that she has a lot to say but nobody really to say things to. However, one quickly realizes that it's through these monologue-style social media vlogs that Kayla is really speaking to the audience, and in turn, the socially awkward and conflicted eighth grader that resides in all of us.

Burnham's crystal clear characterization of pubescent life is to be expected. His magnificent camera work, however, is very much a pleasant surprise. Numerous static shots are perfectly composed, while other times the camera's movement adds to the emotional zenith of a scene, such as the apprehension one would inevitably feel in joining a middle school pool party. Add to this a brilliant soundtrack and it's obvious that Burnham has a genuine knack for feature filmmaking, with hopefully many more projects to come.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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9

The3AcademySinsAug 7, 2018

Eighth Grade is all at once harrowing, hilarious, grim, hopeful, lonely, joyous, a cutting portrait of the toxic relationship between technology and today's youth, and a beautiful character piece taking place in the worst time period ofEighth Grade is all at once harrowing, hilarious, grim, hopeful, lonely, joyous, a cutting portrait of the toxic relationship between technology and today's youth, and a beautiful character piece taking place in the worst time period of adolescence. While funny in that trademark eccentric, Bo Burnham style, so many scenes are very uncomfortable and are quite scary in fact! The emotional tone set by the shots and performances in this film are incredibly strong. As for Elsie Fisher, this is a breakout performance and she truly carries the movie on her shoulders. The critique of youth and technology is very well made, with such uncomfortably funny scenes such as kids not taking a school shooting drill seriously, or the fact that they are all isolating themselves in the depths of the internet will hit close to home for a lot of viewers. As much as things change, they stay the same however, as sex and masturbation are recurring topics in this movie. Sex is portrayed as both awkward, disgusting, and in one beautifully constructed scene in the back of a car, terrifying and predatorial.

Bo Burnham has made an excellent first film. Elsie Fisher carries herself and this film with intense vulnerability and grace. I will not be surprised if I see Eighth Grade popping up in the awards season this year.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

Lambo442Nov 17, 2018

A really funny, touching film, superbly acted, especially by the lead who's just so believable. Gave me an insight into an experience that I never would have had otherwise. Every parent should watch this film to see what their kids go throughA really funny, touching film, superbly acted, especially by the lead who's just so believable. Gave me an insight into an experience that I never would have had otherwise. Every parent should watch this film to see what their kids go through at this age. Having a loving, caring parent in your corner at such a time in your life is so crucial… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

DefinitelyMaybOct 3, 2018

Wow how is this film getting all this rave review? Is it because the director is a famous Youtube comedian and somehow that automatically makes this a great film? Eight Grade is by far one of the most generic coming of age film that literallyWow how is this film getting all this rave review? Is it because the director is a famous Youtube comedian and somehow that automatically makes this a great film? Eight Grade is by far one of the most generic coming of age film that literally has little plot, and has one of the most cliche/general character story ever. The cliche oozes from the first shot of the movie, that has little to no flare and side characters that are never developed at all despite them being essential in coming-of-age films. As a person that has seen Ladybird earlier this year, which was totally amazing, this film is so weak in comparison that it makes Ladybird the Citizen Kane of coming of age films. The main issue in this film is that although it has its sentimental moments and relatable moments with the girl and her father, the audience clearly knows where its going 100% all the time and there is little to no drama to any of what is happening on the screen. This film is literally a Film 101 to coming of age films but its so bare and stylistically bland that it develops pacing issues despite being a very condensed film. Worst of all is the fact 8th Grade is marketed as comedy despite the fact there is hardly any comedy in it. The lead girl is fine in her role, but everyone one else is a walking stereotype with absolutely 0 character development or anything worth of note. In fact, the majority of the time we spend in the film is just looking at the girl navigating her lonely existence, but it is weird because its seems like shes this new girl but she clearly has been there for a long time and has no friends. I'm not sure what the message is really. 8th Grade is by no means the worst film, but its generic premise and bland execution makes it one of the most forgettable film for this year. Its a shame that film criticism or appreciation is at such a all time low, that mediocre films like this gets unanimous praise across the board when it really doesn't have much going for it. Maybe kids will like it? But literally nothing happens in the film and I love coming of age films like Ladybird, The Way Way Back sh etc.What a shame.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

JLuis_001Sep 26, 2018

Middle school or high school can be a place of enormous pleasure in the memories of people who spent a great time there and it can be a hell of memories for those who had a hard time there. Especially the outcasts and those who sufferedMiddle school or high school can be a place of enormous pleasure in the memories of people who spent a great time there and it can be a hell of memories for those who had a hard time there. Especially the outcasts and those who suffered bullying.

Countless films have dealt with the subject and each one, depending on its release time, dealt with the typical problems of each generation. However, the youth of this last decade is in a way more intricate because it's a generation that lives perpetually attached to their cellphone and everything they do, they need to register it for the online masses.

Eight Grade shows that essentially and that is all that sustains it. Eight Grade deals with an obviously lonely and incredibly innocent young girl who makes videos giving motivational advice which is surprising considering that she's barely able to make friends.
I will not say that she suffers from depression but I do think she suffers from anxiety. We're seeing a girl without friends who lives an incredibly routine, day by day at her school with nothing remarkable happening to her. She has a crush on the typical bad boy who plays sports and obviously she's not within the grace of the ''popular girls''

Eight Grade is not a great story and neither is a great movie but the way it's done,
the way in which its young protagonist takes the baton of the story and frankly the situations that surround her are genuine, or at least they feel genuine enough. That's what makes it stand out on many other films that deal with a similar subject.
And maybe the best thing about it is that it gives us a main character who tries to make things work, who tries to adapt and make friends. She's not a young girl immersed in misery feeling sorry for herself and that's refreshing and even more so that despite the situations to which she exposes herself, she never betrays herself in order to fit in.
Applause for its young protagonist; Elsie Fisher who is the true revelation of this film.

Eight Grade is not a film that comes to innovate but knows how to make use of its strengths to take forward a story that remains relevant and is definitely a very good option for its generation and genre.

And by the way I have to say it out loud. The music was **** annoying.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

crister17Oct 10, 2018

SO good! It was so real and raw, it felt like I wasn't watching a movie. Shed a positive light on self-confidence and self-worth. Learned a lot from this movie!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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2

SpikyCactusMay 10, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is my second time watching this and I completely forgot my feelings first time around. These types of movies are generic fill-in-the-blanks. It was very hard for me to listen to her monologuing at the beginning because of the extreme overuse of “like” and “um”. I don’t really agree with her blog channel either. Her self-esteem is close to none yet she lies on not just her blog but on small things throughout the movie to others. Her confidence in social situations are extremely awkward even for a 13 year-old. Don’t even get me started on the relationship with her father, I remember how I was growing up and I never had such an attitude like that to my parents. I understand being 13 was an awkward time but this movie blew everything out of proportion 100% to the point where it’s fake and points of very forced acting.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

fitzy226Jul 23, 2018

At times it feels like a sharply observed teenage comedy of manners, at other times it feels like a horror movie. Completely riveted by this film from beginning to end. Elsie Fisher deserves an Academy nod. Wonderful.

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

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8

TrevorsViewAug 2, 2018

Dear readers, surely you know that today’s youth carry a huge responsibility ahead of themselves that often goes against their personal commitment to please people, a struggle that stems from their pressures to fit in. It’s a difficult taskDear readers, surely you know that today’s youth carry a huge responsibility ahead of themselves that often goes against their personal commitment to please people, a struggle that stems from their pressures to fit in. It’s a difficult task to explore the crisis kids today face, yet first-time director Bo Burnham miraculously succeeded!

Although you first may wonder, “is this R-rated work teen-appropriate?” Well, for fair warning, most teenagers might be too young to maturely discuss the more adult content (language, blow jobs), although I still encourage anyone older than eighteen to watch Eighth Grade because it is filled with wisdom about what it’s really like to grow up in the millennial age.

Clever filmmaking tricks seldom strive to wow us, its most ambitious technique being its simple focus on the glowing screen of the protagonist, eighth-grader Kayla. After dad jump-scares her while she scrolls through Instagram, Kayla’s phone cracks quite heavily, and your view of her social media presence turns disturbed for the remainder of the run time. When not filtered through the internet, Kayla instead comes off as nothing short of awkward. No Hollywood plastering here: the intense facial focus amplifies Kayla’s countable zits on her face.

Her increased pressures compel Kayla to post a series of YouTube advice videos, one of which opens the feature much like the first scene of Annie Hall. She gives some great advice, including how the “school you” differentiates the “pool you” and the “movie you,” so you must reach out to let everyone know the full “real you,” a point she proves by going out to sing karaoke despite her nervousness. Then each video ends with her signature phrase, “Gucci!” Except does anybody watch her vlog? It doesn’t matter a whole lot anyway, because Kayla doesn’t make her videos because others need advice, but because she must hear herself think as she goes through these troubles herself.

Away from social media, Kayla follows a makeup tutorial in front of her motivational sticky note-bordered mirror, so that she can then post it on Instagram as a lame post-makeup-application “just woke up like this” post. Sadly though, it can’t compensate for her class voting her, “most quiet.” As her last week of middle school drags on, you look past her embodiment through significant mundaneness, particularly with how her earbud music overpowers her dad’s voice. True to that style, raucous sound plays before she enters dangerous territory of a birthday party seeing her swimsuit body.

To more brilliant results, the dialogue complements maturation through awkward conversations, such as Kayla’s hilarious discomfort of a blow job tutorial. Whether it’s the dabbing old principal, or how various social media platforms define middle schoolers from high schoolers, or the single most realistic first date on film ever, humor stays consistent. But then all humor stops suddenly altogether in a clear #MeToo moment that forces you to hold your breath out of fear. So, jokes aside, this complete ninety-three-minute outline of puberty development captures the entire transitional stage thanks to the perfect editing. You never lose track of time, even if the image lingers on Kayla’s disconnect from her father.

Although to be fair of what this movie does wrong, little is learned about one boy who has a crush on Kayla. Another guy Kayla adores also comes off too one-dimensional, along with the stereotypical class beauty queen Kayla idolizes. Though somehow, those three characters have stronger presence than God, who here is nothing but a big missed opportunity to express Kayla’s existential crisis, as evidenced by a meaningful but skimmed over scene when she prays out of tremendous conflicting fear.

Yet this generalization of certain teenage tropes works to its advantage as it makes you naturally want to avoid whatever traits you see. A fine example happens during a conversation Kayla has with the beauty queen’s mom; she focuses on the daughter instead of the mother, revealing Kayla’s ideal wants away from the generational gap. These tight facial closeups are the secret to showing the way kids at that age always believe eighth grade is the end of everything. Trust me, Kayla’s maturation process by the end strikes your feels hard, especially once you hear her father’s sincere monologue in front of a soft campfire glow.

I find it hilarious how earlier this year, Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg phoned in a celebration of reality through a motion picture meant to glamorize pop culture, yet here, a complete nobody creates a far superior work which truly does celebrate reality over technology. Therefore friends, I guarantee Kayla will help you remember eighth grade fondly from now on forward. Hang tight everyone, Gucci!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

GrantD243Aug 3, 2018

Eighth Grade is about a girl named Kayla who is at the end of her time in middle school and is getting ready to start high school. This isn't the story of some kid who has it all figured out or is extremely popular, though. In fact, this isEighth Grade is about a girl named Kayla who is at the end of her time in middle school and is getting ready to start high school. This isn't the story of some kid who has it all figured out or is extremely popular, though. In fact, this is the story that many people will find very relatable regardless of what generation you grew up in. If you had an awkward experience in eighth grade or if you weren't the most popular kid, you'll relate to this one. Sure, it'll probably speak more to current students or those that have gone through middle school during the 21st Century (as I have), but while technology has changed immensely over time kids only change so much. This film does touch the idea that technology has become a huge influence over the lives of kids these days quite a bit, and it portrays it in a very realistic way. I went through middle school before social media took over (Myspace and Facebook were just starting to gain traction), but cell phones were the hot ticket and many of the notes that this film hits on regarding social media were still very relatable to me. But the real story of this film is Kayla trying to become more confident in herself, trying to make more friends, and trying to work through how awkward the world seems to her at this time in her life. This film pulls no punches. It doesn't sugar coat anything and it doesn't make middle school seem better than it is like a lot of films and television shows do. It goes where you think it wouldn't dare go, and that makes it just that much better. There are some scenes in here that will make some people incredibly uncomfortable, but that's kind of the point. Eighth grade is an uncomfortable time, and it only makes sense for a film covering it to be uncomfortable at times. Elsie Fisher does a tremendous job as Kayla, and I have to assume that there's some of her in her portrayal as well because I believe she just finished eighth grade not that long ago, and Josh Hamilton (Kayla's dad) is solid as always. Yes, this film is R rated even though it is about a girl in the eighth grade. However, I wouldn't discourage parents from taking their kids to see this if they're of the appropriate age (around seventh grade or older). It's primarily rated R because of language, but there are some subjects that parents may flinch at when they're brought up in a film that their kid is watching. But, they're subjects that kids are going to encounter at school anyway, and maybe it'll even provide an opportunity for discussion after the showing ends. Everything about Eighth Grade is solid, but it's how the story will relate to people that really makes this a very worthwhile watch.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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0

JohnCorleoneOct 17, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was just not good and was a complete waste of time. How many times do we have to watch the same plot in every high school movie. It's always the same thing with a nervous girl trying to get friends and being introduced to sex. There was a lot of time wasting with the slow talking/pauses and this movie easily could've been 30 minutes. There was nothing special about this movie and I can't believe I watched it. This movie just stole 1.5 hours of my life that I'll never get back. I don't understand what makes people think this is a good movie because its not. After watching it I couldn't believe an hour and a half went by because it felt like 30 minutes (as mentioned before). There is nothing tense about this movie it's all cringe and just bad.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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3

ScraperJan 19, 2019

Each character stays a monochromatic stereotype of their initial concept from the beginning of the movie to the very end. That's why it's so awkward, not because life is actually this awkward, (even jerks and morons change their expressionsEach character stays a monochromatic stereotype of their initial concept from the beginning of the movie to the very end. That's why it's so awkward, not because life is actually this awkward, (even jerks and morons change their expressions and social strategies sometimes), but because I'm supposed to see an impression of reality here and don't. It feels like a fan script version of Welcome to the Dollhouse, one of the greatest coming of age movies of all time.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

duddy5698Jul 23, 2018

The Positive:
Relatable
Acting Humor

The Negative:
Sometimes painful to watch, which might affect your enjoyment

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

In_a_senseAug 8, 2018

Astoundingly grounded, and painfully realistic are the two phrases in which sum up this film perfectly. Out of every horror film that I've watched, every jumpscare I've flinched, and every bloodspill I've cringed, this is the film that I'veAstoundingly grounded, and painfully realistic are the two phrases in which sum up this film perfectly. Out of every horror film that I've watched, every jumpscare I've flinched, and every bloodspill I've cringed, this is the film that I've looked away the most. There's almost a beauty in an aspiring director who has made, by just using the fear-inducing forces of reality to make us cringe, worry, and just wish to walk out the most. The feeling of being trapped in a harsh reality is so strong, and so crippling, that when Eighth Grade finally gives you some time to breathe, it feels heaven-sent. With an astonishing breakthrough from writer director Bo Burnham, and a flawless, realistic depiction of fear, anxiety, and doubt that nearly everyone is forced to endure at the specified time period, Eighth grade is surely one of, if not the best film of the year.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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3

Q8MarrongGlaceSep 26, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not sure why this film has been categorized as a Drama, Comedy and on some other websites only written Genre: Comedy , Correct me if I am wrong specially whom really loved this film please point me something out in this that was funny and Comedic ! The way I see it this film was sad and so much dramatic life of a young teen girl first of all that her mother was passed away second she is lonely 3rd her relationship with her father wasn't good and she's always upset and keeps yelling at him till last scene finally something has been changed 4th she had no friend and above of that she has no confidence in herself so her life was miserable and yet this film been categorized as comedy , If i was living her life I might just hang myself of a tree really what is so funny in that waste of time movie thank GOD I saw it for free and haven't paid a dime otherwise I would waste both my time and money over a ridiculous teen aged movie I am too old to watch this kind of movies but again have been fooled by rating and can't stand it anymore with this false ratings and reviews keeps messing with people again and again so I had a time to kill and I really have killed it but with unaccepted kind of movie its more of a true story yeah a story of like 60% of most girls I guess the Written and Director Bo Burnham which I thing he has a huge connections and hands behind making doing that high rating for his own movie , You can feel it that he doesn't have a time to create something new as the film have nothing creativity no self imagination nothing just a simple random story about a teen girl nothing special and this kind of movie that you'll forget about right away once you're done watching it so as a decent advice just avoid watching this piece of ^&%$ You're welcome… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

fredericwoodAug 11, 2018

Really boring, bland, banal. The actress was good but the material is not interesting. Offers little insight or real depth about growing up.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

pberraJul 19, 2018

I went into this movie fresh (had no idea what it was about). I noticed that critics were praising it, so I figured I would give it shot. Long story short, wait for it on Netflix. There are a number of uncomfortable scenes, and the leadI went into this movie fresh (had no idea what it was about). I noticed that critics were praising it, so I figured I would give it shot. Long story short, wait for it on Netflix. There are a number of uncomfortable scenes, and the lead character (who I really wanted to route for) was unlikeable. Exactly how this movie is currently scoring a 90 on Metacritic is puzzling to me. If you want to see a really good movie about teenage angst, I recommend Welcome to the Dollhouse. In my opinion, of course, this is just one more example of how average movies today are now considered great (La La Land, Moonlight, etc.) because everything else out there stinks. Oh how I long for the 1970's!!… Expand

4 of 19 users found this helpful415

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8

Brent_MarchantJul 22, 2018

Despite a slight tendency toward being episodic, this insightful look at an awkward time in one's life at an unnerving time in history wins the day with incisive humor and an ever-present though reluctantly acknowledged edginess that speaksDespite a slight tendency toward being episodic, this insightful look at an awkward time in one's life at an unnerving time in history wins the day with incisive humor and an ever-present though reluctantly acknowledged edginess that speaks plainly to viewers of any age. Newcomer Elsie Fisher delivers a knock-out performance, backed by a terrific ensemble of supporting characters who help to bring out the best in her portrayal. You won't regret your time at the theater with this one.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

section20mi6Nov 4, 2018

The film doesn't have a big story to tell, but internal struggles of the main character can be perceived through all the scenes.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

ayrkzamiskeNov 19, 2018

So amazing and important. A great portrait of our times. Good to understand the youngest of now. Miss Sunshine of this decade.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

JfleydonAug 16, 2018

I am a 74 year old movie lover so I may be out of touch with what passes today as good entertainment. I could not make it through this movie as it was dull and painful. How could one muster any sympathy for a child who treated her father soI am a 74 year old movie lover so I may be out of touch with what passes today as good entertainment. I could not make it through this movie as it was dull and painful. How could one muster any sympathy for a child who treated her father so terribly. Hopefully, the ending had something positive to communicate but I could not generate interest enough to punish myself further.… Expand

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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8

LegendaryLassDec 14, 2018

It bounces between fun, terrifying, hillarious and horrifying... much like eighth grade itself does. Kayla is a perfect vessel for the audience through the wonderful nightmare of middle school and Fisher is a revelation.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

NavyBeanJan 16, 2019

I am emotionally shattered at the beauty of this movie. It's the best movie about growing up I've ever seen. Elsie Fisher is a GD genius. And if I was Bo Burham I'd probably retire, because it will be neigh impossible to reach these heightsI am emotionally shattered at the beauty of this movie. It's the best movie about growing up I've ever seen. Elsie Fisher is a GD genius. And if I was Bo Burham I'd probably retire, because it will be neigh impossible to reach these heights again. What a film. What a film. What a film. What A film!… Expand