User reviews

I think this movie did an excellent job of portraying the meaning of friendship,the mystery of why bad things happen to good people, the frustration of fighting through injustice, and the complexity of self-doubt, wondering both whether we have done enough for our cause, and what role,if any, God plays in our problems.

It was a very simple story and a very emotional one, plus it was one to which it was easy for just about anyone to relate. It was also much more emotional that I expected, and there were many handkerchiefs and Kleenexes in use during the movie.

Both of the lead actors quickly became believable and real. The distinction between how Lyle affected his principal, and how he affected many other adults was an example of which all adults should take note, too.

Yes entertaining and a tearjerker, but terrible acting and writing. Nothing in the plot really fits together and oh such stiff acting. Christian movie-making has a long way to come based on this. On the other hand, I watched with my 10 and 12 year olds and it was non-offensive and had some positive messages. Still, so bad overall that I would not recommend.

Great little movie. Fabulous cast. Entertaining... exciting- had me and my grandson sitting up screaming NOOOOOO- we laughed, we cried, we cheered! It also deals with the sensitive topic of illness during a time when children are really too young to understand it's limitations. This movie is the full-meal deal. We absolutely loved it!! Don't miss it!

It's a great movie for what someone can do for someone else regarding friendship, but if you are serious about following Jesus and the principles that you are teaching your children and who God is, what His character is,how His love is, then this is not a movie that I will recommend.There is no mention of Jesus, not ever another friend that are brought to Christ,no parent telling the children about God and teaching them about him,no mention of the Bible or any scripture or discernment and advertising it as a Christian movie is false, all hope is given in an imaginable way and not as the true hope and life of what your life can be in Christ through His love and saving.Then at least be honest and say its just a memoir of a boy with an illness and a great friendship instead of trying to make it a movie where its an example for children how to live for Jesus,that is not what this is.

I haven't met a person yet who didn't love this movie. It's one of those you could watch several times - as I have done. Many people have quit going to movies because of the unexpected "trashiness" contained in most shows. Not DD. It is a great family movie that anyone can watch and enjoy. Remember, this is based on a true story which is authenticated at the beginning of the credits. Different Drummers is a true "diamond in the rough". A refreshing, emotional, funny story. It will touch all your emotions! I encourage everyone to see this show and that they encourage others to see this show to support good wholesome entertainment that the movie industry is so drastically lacking.

As I write this review I'm crying like a baby. The movie has just finished. Not many movies reduce me to tears like this one. There are few words that could describe the sensitivity of this story. It deals with not only the major illness of muscular dystrophy but also the misunderstood condition of hyperactivity. The innocence of a little boy who always found himself in trouble with the powers that be but he didn't understand why that if anything at all went wrong, he was always to blame. A teacher who used clichés that are readily understood by adults is frustrated when a child doesn't understand what she is saying so he uses his resources to undercover the meaning, only to believe she means the opposite. When the movie began I cringed at the acting abilities of some of the cast but as the story developed, I forgot to cringe and the storyline is strong enough to overcome acting limitations.

I gave Different Drummers a 9/10 because of the sensitive way that two medical conditions were brought together through children... one with no energy and one with too much.

I first read the book, which was great and highly recommend it for kids, teens and adults. Unlike many film adaptations of a true story, this film really took what I had read, formed in my imagination and made the characters come alive. Brayden Tucker portraying the hyperactive Lyle Hatcher was absolutely brilliant. Ethan Reed McKay played a convincing, believable David Dahlke. This film brought me back to my own childhood in so many ways. It was a wonderful portrayal of friendship and families and school in the 1960s. The complex issues of death, disease, and being different are shown through the eyes of these two lovable, "sometimes naughty" boys. I think it's a must-see for anyone who interacts with a child with disabilities. Lyle doesn't seem to realize that David's limitations are anything that should stand in the way of their fun or their friendship. Warning-- bring tissues!

Different Drummers is a "tell all your friends" movie. When people ask me what makes this movie one I highly recommend, I am quick to tell them it's a TRUE story. A story of two young boys - one with Muscular Dystrophy and one diagnosed with ADHD- who experience an unlikely connection and develop a treasured friendship. They help each other tackle problems, dream big dreams, and navigate limitations.

I was pleased to discover that the movie stays true to the book and maintains the essence of this tender story. The characters are believable, sensitive, and brave. There may be tears at the end, but rest assured that you will smile when you think of this uplifting story.

i loved everything about this movie! i loved it so much i would definitely see it again!! :) awesome story and awesome actors and actresses. i cant say enough about how much i loved this movie and how i would go see it over and over again!! i went all the way into downtown Spokane to see the movie when it was just at the one theater. i am so excited that it is at the theater close to my house now. the acting in this move is awesome! I love all the local acting in this movie. this is the first locally produced movie that i have seen in a long time and i love that Spokane is back out on the big screen! :) everyone please go see this!!