Hello Herman

This is a movie that seems to have tried to be many things and falls short in most of it's objectives. The plot seems ripe for an after school movie of the week but the language is quite adult at times. The focus of the movie seems to wander at times, it feels at times the movie is told all in flashbacks and news reports. It also doesn't help that much of the acting is way over the top to near comedic heights next to Reedus' far more understated performance. Technically, the movie is shot well but most of the crew appear to be mailing it in on this one.

One would be far better served seeking out Bully http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1682181/ or Elephant http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363589/

I think the premise of this film is very intriguing, but I think the execution was flawed. The actors were all very well cast and played their roles brilliantly, but I think the script was a bit shoddy in some places and could have benefited from being longer and fleshing out the characters a bit more- the potential was there but the back stories weren't fully utilized. The story could have done with more development as well- it felt a tad rushed in places.

That being said, I think this film is (sadly) very relevant to the world today. It has an important message that needs to be heard, and so far this is one of the only (if not the only) films that touches on this subject matter. It deserves a wider audience because it really does have a lot to say.

I think the film was well cast, with Norman Reedus and Garret Backstrom giving great performances. They really make you care about their characters, which from the premise of the film clearly isn't the easiest thing to do, but that is really the whole point. The script and the direction could have been better, but overall the film succeeds in doing what it set out to do- make you think.

Michelle Danner's Hello Herman provides a difficult story to tell. Norman Reedus (of the Walking Dead effectively) provides a character with a troubled past, attempting to uncover the reason behind Herman's high school massacre. Yet, Michelle Danner, a celebrated acting coach in her own rights, portrays within the eponymous character a human complexity that is bound to make audiences uncomfortable. However, that discomfort is essential to the film's intent on providing more sides to the stories of student shootings – or rather, the trials and tribulations that push these student murderers into committing such violent actions. As it turns out, Herman's own victimization to bullying invoked a violent reaction. People who have been bullied themselves can understand Herman's justification. But as reasonable as it is, the film still communicates the importance of human life and how an unconcerned regard for it is inexcusable – and how such injustice only breeds more unjustifiable actions.

I am speechless. The film was extremely powerful and touched me right to my core. After watching this film it reminds me of how important it is that we respect and are kind to the people in our lives no matter what role they play in it. I felt very moved and an intense sense of gratitude towards life after this movie. It really makes you assess what is important in life and opens your awareness to what can happen when you forget how precious life is. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to see some phenomenal acting with an amazing story line.

Cheers, Christian

Truth be known- I've only watched this because of Norman Reedus. And because of him it's a 2 star, otherwise zero. I'm so sorry to be so disappointed about this movie. I understand that there must be so much good intentions behind it and it's a big story...but. But what in all saints name were they thinking??? Most people already wrote all you need to know about this movie so I'm not going to repeat that. Just...if you are really still set to watch this movie, then just focus on Reeduses blue eyes and try not to notice everything else. And if your intelligence gets insulted few times...and if basic components that should be holding story together are falling apart...just, you know, thank god they've had decent stylist who blended outfits perfectly with the light ratio. Great job there!