Thursday, January 5, 2017

Blu-ray Review - Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life


Rated PG; 92 minutes; $39.99; Amazon

Now available on Blu-ray (with Digital HD) and DVD  from Lionsgate Home Entertainment is the family-friendly comedy Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life. Directed by Steve Carr, the film stars Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle, Thomas Barbusca, Andy Daly, and Adam Pally.


Based on the popular children book series by James Patterson and Chris Tebbets, the film centers on Rafe Khatchadorian (played by Griffin Gluck), a teenager who keeps getting himself kicked out of schools. Rafe's mother (played by Lauren Graham) has had just about enough of his trouble-making ways, and she hopes that transferring him to Hills Village Middle School might change his attitude.


Within minutes of arriving at his new school, Rafe makes enemies with the school bully, "the Killer" (played by Jacob Hopkins) and Principle Dwight (played by Andy Daly). After the principle destroys his sketch book, Rafe vows to disobey every school rule.

Griffin Gluck ("Rafe") stars in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE.

With the help of his new friend Jeanne (played by Isabela Moner) and his invisible friend Leo (played by Thomas Barbusca), he comes up with the "Operation R.A.F.E" plan, which involves exposing Principle Dwight for what he really is - a liar.

Andrew Daly ("Principal Dwight") stars in Lionsgate Home Entertainment's MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE.

Special Features on the Blu-ray are:

  • "The Middle School Life"
  • "Middle School = The Worst / Making Movies = The Best
  • "The Wedgie Wheel"
  • "Yolo: Behind Operation Rafe"
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes




Final Thoughts: Author James Patterson hasn't had much luck with the film and television adaptations of his crime thrillers. However, the film version of his popular children book series "Middle School" did fair at the box-office last year considering it's low budget.

Being a fan of Patterson's writings, I have read several books in the Middle School series, and I've always thought the books would make a great animated movie. So when I first saw an advertisement for the film version last year, I thought it looked terrible, mostly because it was a live-action movie. Nevertheless, I thought I would try the film out on Blu-ray.

To my surprise, the film mixes in live-action with animated scenes, where the main character Rafe is daydreaming that his illustrations have come come to life. Yes, it's a little silly at first glance, but it works well here. While the main plot from the original book is still used, the script goes in a different direction.

The picture quality and sound on the Blu-ray are excellent. There are several special features, a gag reel, and deleted scenes.

Overall,  Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life is a surprisingly fun family-friendly comedy that I recommend to others.



*I received complimentary copy from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. All opinions are my own.


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