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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Bully.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Bully Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

A coming-of-age comedy about Jimmy, a quiet, heavy-set high school kid who is constantly tormented by the resident school bully Miles and his cronies. After an altercation on his w...

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then Bully offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2018 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

🎬 The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Bully, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A coming-of-age comedy about Jimmy, a quiet, heavy-set high school kid who is constantly tormented by the resident school bully Miles and his cronies. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A coming-of-age comedy about Jimmy, a quiet, heavy-set high school kid who is constantly tormented by the resident school bully Miles and his cronies. After an altercation on his way home from school lands him a chance meeting with former professional boxer "Action" Jackson and trainer Manny, Jimmy decides to learn how to fight back."

🎭 Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Tucker Albrizzi, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Comedy genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Santino Campanelli is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 83 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

🤔 Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Bully truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

⚖️ Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Bully explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Santino Campanelli respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

🏆 Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Bully serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Tucker Albrizzi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Bully is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

83MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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