Bringing Up Bobby

This movie is god awful. It's not funny. It's not edgy. And if anyone tells you otherwise they're either lying or are friends with the people that made it. As a former member of the Christan faith, I can honestly say that this movie further reinforced every reason why I left the church to begin with. It's full of ridiculous stereotypes, biases, and just about every stupid youth group cliché in existence. It's an unrealistic portrayal of what it's like to start thinking for one's self and forming one's own beliefs and opinions. The acting is horrendous, the costumes are ridiculous, and the script is way too preachy. I didn't laugh once, and neither will you...unless you're high. Which is the state of mind I suggest you be in if you ever decide to watch it.

-Bobby

I recently watched this movie on YouTube for the fun of it and was quite delighted that it turned out the way that it did. As a fan of creative "B" movies I genuinely thought that this was an enjoyable movie overall. Some reviewers seem to expect a masterpiece every time they watch something; trying to be like Siskel and Ebert! They have a real hard time just suspending reality and watching a simple goofy movie. This is just that; a simple goofy movie.

You have to know what you are getting into with low-budget Christian films ahead of time. It is not a Hollywood movie. It is clearly a low-budget movie with outlandish characters trying to tell a story with a moral meaning. It is not anything amazing or deep; just a straight-forward wholesome movie. You do not have to worry about any language, sex, or violence. If you let your guard down a little you may even laugh a few times. You may even learn something!

What do you have to lose?

OK, so this has an evangelical message. But, the religion does not overwhelm what is really a fun, fun movie. At the opening, this may seem silly, but it has a serious side that is served-up in small bites with lots of laughs along the way. Unlike many modern films, this movie actually has some "likable" characters. The main character has a heart of gold. He has had to raise a younger brother, a confused sixteen year-old (yes, all sixteen year-olds are confused), but this is not about a rebellious, spoiled and disrespectful teenager. Rather, this teen admires his brother and there is a real bond of love between them. Stick with this movie. You will be glad you did. It has some silly parts, but there is alot of fun and plot twists too. Those who dock it for having an evangelical message are missing the point. Too bad. They could have had some fun watching this. Some really quirky but lovable characters join in along the way.

This film was supposed to be a comedy? Exactly what scenes were supposed to be funny? Was it the "war table" scenes where everyone sits around in stupid costumes while the older brother preaches to his younger brother?

And all believability is thrown out the window when a hot young lawyer falls for a fat guy with a bad haircut and three chins. Yeah, that happens all the time. Hot young female lawyers always fall for fat guys… with multiple chins.

If the goal of this film was to spread the gospel, or at least make it seem appealing, it fails greatly. The preachy self-righteous oldest brother is repulsive and annoying. Oh, and it's okay for him to lie, he's dating an optometrist? Yeah he can lie while he's preaching to his little brother. Mr. Christian, Mr. "get right with God Bobby or burn in Hell" can flat out lie… But that's okay.

And Bobby's target Christian girlfriend is pious and aloof. Apparently all this film has accomplished is to make Christians look lame, offensive and hypocritical.

The character Bobby says it best "Who are you to preach Jesus to me?"

Yeah, who are you? You lie. You're a hypocrite. You suck and need to lose 50 pounds. And you'll never appear in any other film again because you couldn't act your way out of a cheap plastic Walmart bag.

I don't know what is wrong with some reviewers, but I found this to be a truly enjoyable film. Seriously funny (I'm talking laugh-out-loud!), clever, endearing, lovable characters, with what turns out to be a truly strong storyline with real substance. Has it all! I first watched this many years ago and remembered loving it, but after all this time, figured that it would probably be one of those things where I changed to a point where the memory would be better than the actual current reality; so I semi-grudgingly checked it out again, and I think - if possible - I love it even more this time round!! So, I will share with one and all from now on, since not fair to keep this sweet li'l gem all to myself! ;)