Not Like Everyone Else

This was an amazing and inspiring movie on differences, not only among teenage students but also among America's religious and social community. You'll find profound messages within the realistic storyline. Each twist and turn leads you in another direction, and you'll want to defend Brandi (played by Alia Shawkat), the main character wrongly accused of witchcraft, every step of the way. If you've ever been put down because of your individuality, or even put someone else down for standing out of the crowd, then this is a movie you'd benefit from seeing. The actors and actresses are very good and made believable characters. It's high-interest and detailed, and is especially right for you if you are a teenager who has wanted your opinion to be heard. It is by far one of the best Lifetime movies ever made.

I was 21 when I first saw this movie on Lifetime 3 years ago, far away from the BS of high school dramatics. But I have to say this was an amazing film on how stereotypes and rumors can ruin someone's life and is very realistic. It reminded me of when I was around 16 and in high school dealing with similar issues. My first girlfriend was into wicca. Her whole family had been for 3 generations. It was their religion and she was taunted and put through the blender just as Brandi was in the film. It later boiled over onto everyone who was associated with her just as Brandi's family and friends were drawn into it. Lifetime has been moving to a trend in the last few years of making movies like this. I for one am actually kind of glad they've started to. The horrible feelings and frustration that can come from being outcasted and harassed are captured perfectly in this film. It gives teenage audiences a chance to relate to something and know it's alright to be different and they shouldn't be ashamed of it. This film has a lot of touching moments as well though. Especially between Brandi and her family. The ending was very moving and gave a brighter rise from the drama of the body of this film. I enjoyed it and I'd love to catch it on television again sometime. I say that anyone who's ever gone through this similar type of situation, or anyone who was ever outcasted, taunted, or has been through hell over a choice or their religion should definitely check this one out. It's well worth the watch.

I don't know if this was based upon something that actually happened; however, in spite of my wanting to believe that it didn't, not this recently, I sadly can imagine that this is a true story. Thus, I can't compare this to the real thing. The authentic feel is present throughout, if this can honestly seem a bit manipulative at times. It certainly is fairly black and white, albeit with several notable exceptions. The plot revolves around a girl in high school being accused of witchcraft(!), and her family's attempts to deal with it. All the characters are pretty well-written, consistent and credible. The acting is great, I was impressed with most performances. Apart from Illeana Douglas, I didn't know any of them before, but I'd definitely consider giving anything else they appear in a chance. The cinematography and editing are quite nice and interesting, with some well-used hand-held camera footage. While this doesn't hold an awful lot of surprises script-wise, it does engage the viewer, as well as hit the majority of the marks. The dialog also has several memorable and clever lines. There is a little humor, and it's rather funny. This can be very disturbing. I recommend this to everyone who's been a teenager and felt different. In other words, if you are at least thirteen years old, this is for you. 7/10

It's 1999 Tulsa right after the incident at Columbine. Brandi Blackbear (Alia Shawkat) is a regular high school girl. Her native American father ignores her in favor of her brother. Mean girl Kimberly convinces her friends to report on her. She is suspended. Kimberly steals her friend Casey. When she gets into wicken, the school suspends her again for allegedly casting a spell on her teacher sending him to the hospital. The family gets help from ACLU to sue the school.

The story is compelling although objectivity is questionable. With the real case out there, it's hard to know how much is real. The acting is solid. Alia is good. The story before the court case is solid Lifetime material. The court drama is less compelling. It probably needs to concentrate on the father daughter relationship more. It also doesn't end with a great cinematic ending although it makes the best of the situation.

I love movies that are based on real stories. This one was done exceptionally well. One of my favorites that I have ever seen and I've seen hundreds. The story was told so well but the young lady and all her troubles even when she did nothing wrong.