Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

Based on the book series of the same name, “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life” follows the travails of Rafe Katchadorian, an artistic introvert who may or may not be the pre-teen autobiographical incarnation of author James Patterson (Maximum Ride, Alex Cross series).

Rafe (Griffin Gluck) is an average kid dealing with average issues; pesky little sister, starting new school mid-year, divorced parents. There isn’t anything particular special about his life except for his imagination and maturity. His drawings come to life a la “One Crazy Summer” circa 1986, but instead of serving as a distraction to express the inner dialogue through crude and cheap trickery, it actually moves the story along nicely as it is a welcome addition to the live action film.

As Rafe enrolls at a new, prestigious middle school because of numerous, untold expulsions, the evil principal Dwight (Andy Daly) cracks the whip and tries to prepare the student body for the BLAAR test (Baseline Assessment of Academic Readiness) in what is a nice riff on the absurd climate of high stakes testing in education. Noticing the ubiquitous oppression and conformity, Rafe decides that rules aren’t for everyone, and he pushes back against the system in traditional heroic fashion.

Director Steve Carr (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop”) creates a nicely balanced caricature of school that is humorous without appearing condescending. There are character archetypes present, but he manages to enrich the story through the quick pace and sharp animation, and adds some refreshingly deep themes to what is on the surface simply a kids’ movie.

Lauren Graham (“Gilmour Girls”, “Parenthood”) stands out as Rafe’s mom, the lone adult who isn’t playing a tightly prescribed role. It’s authentic and emotional, but most of what she does is. Beside her, there is the duplicitous boyfriend and very effective comic relief (Rob Riggle) in an over-blown stereotype of a self-absorbed egotist. The goofy, cool, down-to-Earth teacher (Adam Pally), the wise yet bitter custodian (Efren Ramirez), and the authoritative assistant principal (Retta). None is overwhelming, and in fact, Principal Dwight is perhaps the character that is a bit overdone, and taints what is otherwise a surprisingly well-done film.

The genre of kids’ comedy is rife with duds over the years, and most aren’t even memorable enough to mention here. There are countless attempts to tell the same story; fish out of water who redeems him/herself, learns lessons in the process, and makes friends. “Middle School” is a bit of an exception to this typical story arc. Although typical in nearly every way, there is something starkly different than other films you’ve seen before. There is a depth and execution that usually falls apart when the film enters the third act. The twist adds a bit of an emotional charge, and there isn’t any lingering about in any of the areas during the wrap-up.

I give credit to Carr for this as he assembled a great cast of characters and presented middle school in a way that gives subtle homage to familiar stories while preserving the integrity and pacing of something different and new. I haven’t read the source material, but I have spent a lot of time in middle schools (teacher, not as a failing student). The film isn’t realistic by any stretch of the imagination, but it surpasses most in terms of its charm and upbeat ultimate message.

Rules aren’t for everyone, but this film is. I would recommend this to the masses as a breath of fresh air in what is certainly a down season for film. I haven’t seen a truly impressive film in months, and although this wasn’t what I would call impressive, I was pleasantly surprised. 8/10.