CBS Films | Release Date: October 7, 2016
6.0
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Mixed or average reviews based on 30 Ratings
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Mixed:
12
Negative:
6
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6
Tss5078Oct 25, 2016
Based on the best selling novel by the same name, it was widely believed that this would be the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, sadly it was not. Griffin Gluck was fantastic is his first starring role, but the rest of the cast really didn't haveBased on the best selling novel by the same name, it was widely believed that this would be the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, sadly it was not. Griffin Gluck was fantastic is his first starring role, but the rest of the cast really didn't have much chemistry, and overall the film just wasn't all that funny. Rafe Katchadorian (Gluck) is a troubled kid, who is sent to his third and final Middle School in the district. It's very strict and if he doesn't follow the rules, he could be headed to military school. Once he gets there, Rafe learns that his principle (Andrew Daly) is beyond strict and decides to get back at him by anonymous breaking not one, but all his rules, causing a school wide rebellion. The story seemed like a good one, but the truth is the pranks weren't all that extreme or funny. The kids in the theater laughed more at the preview before the film than they did at the pranks in the movie. There were also times in the film where you expected the typical crude middle school humor, and while the writers set it up, they never delivered the punch line. That's not the only issue with this film, the kids had some chemistry, but the family didn't. Lauren Graham was terrible, as her character was completely different than that of her kids. She had no connection to them or any idea what was going on with them. But for as bad as she was, it was nothing compared to how awful Rob Riggle was. I have never been a fan of his, but he was beyond annoying in this film, his personality is just so obnoxious and over the top, that the last place he belongs is in a family film. Finally, the whole animation angle brings the movie to a dead stop. Gluck's character is an artist and likes to draw, and at times throughout the film, his drawings come to life in his imagination and take the place of what's happening on the screen, often at the worst possible times. The bottom line, for young actors in a family film, Gluck and Thomas Barbusca did a terrific job, but the story fails to live up to expectations, the humor just isn't there, and the whole thing was full of scenes that should have been left on the cutting room floor. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
Compi24Oct 8, 2016
I think I owe "Middle School The Worst Years Of My Life" an apology. A light apology, but still an apology nonetheless. For, at the end of the day, while the movie is nowhere near perfect or even good for that matter, it's still an ultimatelyI think I owe "Middle School The Worst Years Of My Life" an apology. A light apology, but still an apology nonetheless. For, at the end of the day, while the movie is nowhere near perfect or even good for that matter, it's still an ultimately enjoyable experience - one that's eons better than what I expected from the trailers. Granted, the humor's a little all over the place, and the plot almost never finds its footing until the halfway point, what actually sets "Middle School" apart from all the other mindless kids movies is its surprising streak of tenderness implemented in its latter half. Without giving anything away, there are more than a few moments of brilliance towards the end that make this movie worth a look. Still though, straight-to-DVD-esque direction and plot holes galore ultimately hamper this movie from being anything wholly remarkable. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
TheArchetypesOct 7, 2016
It's a so-so film with jarring tone changes and a plot that sputters before a predictable ending. But there are moments of inspiration and authenticity.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
LeZeeFeb 24, 2017
New school, new beginning and a new set of rules to adapt. What bad could happen.

Not good as I expected, either not bad as what the majority those who saw it says. The film was based on the book of the same name and the first one of I think
New school, new beginning and a new set of rules to adapt. What bad could happen.

Not good as I expected, either not bad as what the majority those who saw it says. The film was based on the book of the same name and the first one of I think in the nine book series. It tells the story of a middle school boy who transferred to a new school. Having no friends, straight he falls prey to a bully. Beyond that, the principal turns his life in the campus even harder with all his strict rules. His real adventure begins when he starts to break every rule and bring chaos, as well as joys in his schoolmates. From this, how the remaining story shapes are told with a twist.

There are similarities with this and many other films, particularly 'Wimpy Kid...'. Those interfering animations resemble that film. It's like a normal protocol in these days children film, so no complaint on that. But I'm very impressed with the quality. This film was too childish. I mean there's nothing wrong for the kids watching it, they will enjoy it. But for the adults, who had seen lots of middle school themed films of the 80s and the 90s, so it might look an average one. A good film for families with young kids. I particularly suggest to the such category audience.

The twist was unexpected. It was easy, but I did not go deep to predict that. I think most of you all too fail to see it coming. Particularly in a film like this who would think of it. That was not enough for me to like the overall film. It is entertaining in parts, but an average film from the inside and outside. Even though I hope they would turn the remaining books as well into the films. All these words I wrote in this review because of I'm being a non- target-audience. So if you are a kid or kid's film fan, ignore my saying and watch the film.

6/10
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5
Hurricane16Mar 7, 2018
Middle School, is a slightly bland, forgettable and predictable movie, especially compared to some other children’s movies out now, but it is still a worthy piece of family entertainment
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