Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool!

Although all agree that this movie is hysterically funny and not to be missed, I am compelled to defend it from the implication that it's one of those "So-bad-it's-good" movies, a la Showgirls or the one where Rupert Everett gets Madonna pregnant. When the video started rolling, I was really ready to make fun of Mr. T, to suggest he was on drugs when he filmed this, or that he had to make it to pay off gambling debts, but this movie is truly good, good lessons, good feelings, good attitudes, good fun. I just ordered 4 copies: one for me, 2 for gifts for friends, and one to keep around for whomever might need it. I only hope that more people find out about it so it can get the recognition it deserves, and so that more people (especially kids) will be exposed to Mr. T's lessons of self-esteem, his perpetually hopeful spirit and his silly sense of humor.

I have to say that because I am a real fan of this movie, I read through all the comments on it here, just because I am really curious to see what people think of it. Most of the people I've showed it to (and believe me, this tape saw some heavy action during college years at St. John's in Santa Fe; some of you out there may vaguely remember something like that) have really enjoyed it. A lot of people, like myself, seem to be drawn to it as if by some kind of strange drug, so that when it is showing somewhere we will manage to wander in and see it. After seeing it about 50 times, I have begun to wonder whether it has permanently altered my mind, and if that is for the better or worse.

Well, what can I say about it? It's a truly great cult movie with a very small cult -- mostly because it's very hard to find copies of this film on video at present. Someday there'll come along an 80s retro period strong enough to bring this film back into distribution, and on that day -- may the forces of the disrespecting, momma-hating, punks fear because Mr. T will be back to teach them how to behave.

I won't go through all the advice that Mr. T gives in this film -- suffice it to say that Mr. T shows us how to use our anger and imagination to our own advantage and how to make it look like we mean to do everything we do and are always in control, even when we're confused or making horrible mistakes. Reading his autobiography (which was obviously written by Mr. T himself; if you don't believe me pick it up) which came out about the same time as this film has convinced me that he is sincere. He truly lives his life by the words he says and by what he shows in this movie, and if you and I follow it we will all be powerful, independent, individuals and probably rich ones too. We'll ALL "BE SOMEBODY"

This is not a bad film. This is a film of genius.

"Hey you, you with the teeth"...any film beginning with the incomparable Mr. T addressing you in such a way can safely be deemed a classic. If you haven't yet had the privilege of seeing "Be Somebody", your life is sadly incomplete. "T" solves all of the social ills plaguing, not just the youth of the 80's, but all of mankind in only 52 minutes; can you think of anyone else who could do that? The mere suggestion is "absiludicrous".

Parents, there is no doubt that you want your children to grow up to be somebody. Do them the ultimate favor, show them that you truly love them, and watch this video together as a family. Remember, if you don't, they may wind up being someone's fool.

For those of you who choose to forget, Mr. T was an icon of the 1980s--a tough guy who could act sensitive when he needed to, or when a paycheck depended on it. If you ever watched the A-Team, you'd see his character repeatedly clobbered in the head with lead pipes and he wouldn't flinch; but he also tried to branch out into a strange kind of motivational programming for children, even inspiring a tasteless breakfast cereal. "Be Somebody, or be Somebody's Fool" is one of Mr. T's bizarre efforts to teach little kids how to be better people. Either this show is incredibly bad, or it's just too deep for me to comprehend. The 80s answer to Huggy Bear leads the viewer through a long string of unrelated pearls of wisdom, the values of which are reinforced by small children who can't act. The philosophy of this show really is encapsulated in its title--the watchcries never stray beyond this level of simplicity. This show really is insane--you have to wonder who thought it would be a good idea. Mr. T is no Mr. Rogers; he presents his lessons to children without seeming to care at all. If you can find this tape, it's worth watching just to see how bad children's programming can get. Plus, the hilariously bad rap songs may inspire you to donate something to the "Blacks Without Soul" fund.

Just as everyone else has said, this is a classic!

It is a genuine tragedy that Mr T no longer works regularly. I guess there's more money in filthy mouthed, mother hating, thugs than a man who wants to help, educate and make the world a better place.

However the other comments are a bit in error, there's plenty of places to find this gem online, you just have to look around a fair bit.

I guess this tape is long since out of reproduction and if they ever figured out who owns the rights I doubt if they'd care if there was a market for a DVD release, but it is out there! So by fair means or fowl get out there and find it. It's worth it!

Be Somebody!