Not Like Everyone Else

I saw this movie a few hours ago, my mom watches Lifetime very frequently and when I heard about this movie I was immediately drawn in. I myself have been labeled a Goth at my school and I know the harassment that Brandi faced in school. This movie left me in pure awe and not only angered me, but brought tears to my eyes. Although I haven't faced such horrible abuse at my school, I found myself able to relate to everything that this poor girl was going through. The movie literally had me glued to my seat, I couldn't get up if my life depended on it. it absolutely horrified me that this was based on a true story, but it didn't surprise me at all. I have friends who lived near Columbine at the time that it happened, and though I was only nine when the incident occurred, I'm aware of the troubles it caused in schools all over the country for people who dared to be different. In the end, I was thrilled that Brandi didn't change and she stayed true to herself, this kind of ordeal would cause many people to at least pretend that they try to conform to everything that happens. All in all, it was an incredible film and I definitely recommend it to anyone who asks about it.

Four days after the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, an Oklahoma town takes over-protective measures to improve security. Young students are scanned and searched during admission. The school distributes booklets announcing zero tolerance for bullying and threatening behavior. This happens to coincide with a high school spat between freckle-faced Alia Shawkat (as Brandi Blackburn) and popular blonde Laura Wiggins (as Kimberly). After a creative writing journal is found to contain references to a gun, young Shawkat is confirmed as a threat, and suspended from school...

Returning for her next semester, Shawkat is further ostracized. Best girlfriend Simone Carter (as Casey) and potential boyfriend Josh Blaylock (as Noah Taylor) become distant. She is overheard discussing witches with cute Lucas Till (as Kyle Kenney), then rumored to have caused Kevin Bacon-like art teacher J.D. Evermore (as Mr. Gray) to become deathly ill...

This Lifetime movie is "based on a true story," which is believable but not convincing. No argument with the facts, but we need more details about how a 15-year-old girl could be suspended from a public school for 19 days for writing in her journal and wearing eye make-up. We are given this takes place after the Columbine shooting, but it never seems like this girl is much of a threat. A connection to Native Americans and Wicca is unclear. Fortunately, the cast does well with the material; especially nice is an estranged father/daughter sub-plot enacted by Shawkat and Eric Schweig (as Tim Blackbear).

****** Not Like Everyone Else (2006) Tom McLoughlin ~ Alia Shawkat, Eric Schweig, Illeana Douglas, Lucas Till

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

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.

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.