TWILIGHT star Robert Pattinson takes on a new kind of role as Arthur, a twenty-something supermarket clerk and depressed musician who s just been dumped by his girlfriend and has to move back home to his emotionally distant parents. But when Arthur discovers the best-selling self-help book It s Not Your Fault, he spends his inheritance on hiring the oddball author to be his live-in life-coach. Can a dreamy poet suffering from a quarterlife crisis now find a way to become more normal , or is Arthur just a romantic misfit who could change his world just by being himself? Rebecca Pidgeon (THE UNIT) co-stars in this painfully funny and surprising comedy about getting by, growing up and letting go, featuring original songs performed by Robert Pattinson.
I think this is a solid film for what it is. It's an indie film and while it may have an editing mistake or two, the script is near perfect. Brilliant and hilarious, it also hits a heartfelt note at the turning point of the movie where Art (Pattinson) hits his breaking point. The director has said several times that the idea of it was how interesting it would be to bring this American "self-help" culture to Britain. And the outcome is this witty, cute film. It is a character driven film, and with that said I think all the actors were perfect for their roles (even though the mom came on a bit strong, Rebecca Pidgeon is a great actress, and I loved the constant line of "I wonder about you sometimes...") and all gave very sincere performances. People will say this film only gets seen because of Pattinson, but the truth is even though he does a great job in it (he appears to be very comfortable in "normal" roles and I would say he should do more comedy), the actors who play his friends are highly underrated. I think they're absolutely hilarious and I think their characters actually steal the spotlight from Art many times. That's because Art's character is actually ignored a bit by his friends, who treat and speak to him in quite a patronizing manner most of the time. They really are not good friends at all. They all have their individual problems, but it's funny that they treat him the way they do because one could say that they actually have bigger problems than Art. Art is the sometimes whiney, sensitive attention-seeker who is insensitive or unaware of his actions around people. He's not supposed to be a likable character! He has issues and this is his story of trying to figure out those issues and come to terms with his life... realizing he doesn't have to figure everything out and life will not be perfect. His friend Nikki pretty much only talks about women and how to supposedly get them (hilarious). The other friend, Ronnie, is an agoraphobic computer nerd who also has clean freak OCD tendencies, and is also quite whiney. The pub scene is one of my favorites because you see that even though the friends are somewhat indifferent to each other, they are starting to come together because of their common bond (their sad attempt at music-haha) but there are so many ridiculous(ly good:) scenes and things that happen in this film - and so many funny lines! Like someone else said, if you don't get this kind of dry humor, you won't like it.
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) I have to say i got this cause i like Robert Pattinson's acting ability. If they keep giving him roles. OMG he will be better then Johnny Deep. The movie can drag on but looking at the whole idea of the movie, you can laugh , or leave. Its one of those movies only a handful will like. But i am one of those handfuls that like it. Keep on Rocking Rob Pattinson
Definitely an above average film. I went to the Chicago screening ofHow to Be, of course Rob Pattinson (Art) drawing me in. I had noexpectations, just a free night to see what else this guy could do.The movie did not disappoint. The story line and direction was greatand I actually found myself feeling sorry for Art. Poor Art is somewhatof an insecure gullible, goofy guy who just wants to be validated. Hismother calls him an "oxymoron". He reaches out to his friends whocouldn't care less about his feelings.His friends Nikki (Mike Pearce) and Ronny (Johnny White) are just aspathetic as he is. I thought Mike Pearce's character was a greatcomplement to Art. His break dancing and skateboarding techniquescracked me up.The movie was filled with quick one line zingers that will make youlaugh out loud. Though I must say, the people in the theatre werecrazed for Rob Pattinson. From the onset, one single move/word from Roband the theatre was howling with laughter. I thought I was a fan, butwhen he had a line or even a simple shifting of his eyes people were sovocal. It was a bit distracting. So it is probably best the film isgoing to On-Demand so you can really appreciate the story line and allthe other actors/characters in the movie.Oliver Irving => great job on the writing, direction, casting,improv's. I will be looking for your future movies!
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) Dear Rob-we really love you-and are glad to know you think yourcharacter is funny---its a pity you couldn't tell the viewers thatat the beginning of the movie.
A young man is a psychologically mess... his girlfriend leaves him, hedoesn't mesh well with his friends, he loses his volunteer job. Heturns to the strangest place for help: a Canadian therapist who movesin with him.This is director Oliver Irving's first and only film, as of thiswriting. And it's a good one. It is an IFC film, and there's no denyingit fits in that category alongside Wes Anderson films and perhaps"Garden State". This won't be as big, and with good reason, but thanksto Robert Pattinson's popularity, it will get more viewings from peoplewho would otherwise never have heard of it.I really enjoyed the therapist (who sadly appears to have passed duringthe making of this film). And Pattinson does a fine job as a whinynerd. His character is incredibly annoying, but such a different onefrom "Twilight" or "Remember Me" that it gives me the sense that hejust might have a bit of range inside of him and may someday break freeof the Edward Cullen trap.
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) I love Robert he is so good in every movie I have seen with him in it !!!!
This movie is hilarious. Super dry humor. Robert Pattinson plays pathetic to comedic perfection. This may not be for everyone. But if you have a dark depressed side that you indulged in during your 20s and somehow are now on the other side of, you may just find this film really really funny. If you take yourself too seriously, or insist on being artificially happy all the time... well, go watch a Disney film or something.
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) I feel so sorry for Art...his lack of talent and unhappiness it's so depressing. Not to mention the complete and absolute absence of love and support from his parents, and the way he desperatly fights back looking for a way to conect with them in a positive pad, hoping then to move on...
I guess I am not a fan of British humor. I watched this movie in full but contemplated turning it off multiple times. Honestly, I watched it to see other films from Robert Pattinson. I am a Twilight fan. I found a lot of the quirkiness of "Art" to mimic things that the "Edward Cullen" character portrays. I found this unsettling. I did not want to see the Cullen character in Art. I came away from this movie deciding that I was not seeing "Art" and "Edward" but possibly I was seeing the quirkiness of Rob. Anyone that is a Pattinson fan will probably love this film. He is in all the scenes and does a great job in his character. I just didn't find this film funny and did not enjoy it. I much preferred "Little Ashes". If you are old enough to see that one it's a better portrait of Pattinson's abilities to take on a character besides a nerd like Art, Edward and Rob himself.
You have to be of a certain frame of mind to appreciate this quirky film, I think. I watched it purely to see how Robert Pattinson would do with a different kind of character. My heart really went out to Art, the wandering young man who got absolutely NO love or encouragement from his parents. I have to say Pattinson did a terrific job making the character empathetic, and despite Art's self-destructive tendencies, I don't know how you can watch this film without hoping he rises above his circumstances. Well done.
i went to the screening of How To Be in Boston, it was fantastic. Thisstory has so many things to love about it. the story is sad butwonderful at the same time. Art is so pathetically lovable that itmakes you want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be OK.Ilaughed so much during movie, it was clever and witty humor. i am a fanof Robert Pattinson, thats how i heard of the film. i like to see anactor in a few films before i decide if he/she is great, i now know forsure.Robert Pattinson was amazing in this, he is a truly gifted actor.We will see a lot of great films from him. Mike Pearce and Johnny Whitewere wonderful too, i hope to see more from them. it seemed the wholecast blended well together.The movie was wheel put together and soenjoyable. i would definitely recommend it to everyone.After the showthe director, oliver Irving, answered questions from the audience. itwas really cool to hear about the filming and some funny little storiesabout behind the scenes. I'm so glad i went, now i just have to waitfor the DVD.
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) I will admit I was skeptical about buying this DVD. However, I love Robert Pattinson, and having seen the Haunted Airman, The Bad Mother's Handbook, and The Goblet of Fire, (in which he was great) I wanted to give it a shot. It was refreshing to see him perform outside of the Twilight genre. He's very talented and I was impressed with his performance. However, I know it will be difficult for some people to see this as it is a British film, and they are quite different from what Americans are used to. I would highly recommend it to anyone.I intend to order "Little Ashes" now that it is available and am planning to see "Remeber Me" when it is released in March. I am hopeful that people will give him a chance to showcase his talent outside of Edward Cullen.
Ok I have to admit to being a Twilight fan - but more so a Rob Pattinson fan. TBH, the movies I loved him most in were *Remember Me* & *Water for Elephants* - I basically enjoy watching him in any role. He is a terrific actor.This movie is awkward in and of itself. If it had starred any other actor, I think this would have been a bottom bin flick hardly ever watched, but because of Pattinson, it is finding somewhat of a cult following. I didn't find it *hilarious* and only grinned at a few scenes - maybe I missed alot of the dry wry humor - but I did go away feeling weirdly at peace by the end of it.It is slow paced and deals with human relations and social ineptitude, and somehow managed to be endearing despite its flaws. Not for everyone, but just try to go into it with an open mind.
Astonishingly, I loved this film. Rob Pattinson has many layers. It's a surprise whenever I encounter new work of his. In this film, he is outrageously funny, endearing, and less confused than all the other characters, including his therapist. I laughed out loud a LOT. Rob P. is truly the Cary Grant of a generation, but more important, he is the consumate artist by whom others will be judged.
As much of a R-Pattz fan as I am i had to make a decision on this film or the new ROBSESSED feature length documentary that is being released on 11/10. Unfortunately I have seen How To Be. I cant hate on anything Robert Pattinson but I have to say that its not that great! I have pre-ordered the ROBSESSED DVD. I cant wait to get it!!!
Oh man this movie is awful. The acting is terrible and the movie just plain sucks. I couldn't even finish it it was so bad. For those of you wanting to watch it because Robert Pattinson is in it, I'm telling you now to not bother wasting your time. His character is not at all attractive in this film, and his acting skills are even worse than they are in Twilight. Save yourself two hours and do something productive with your life.
Total indie film. I love how it's a feel-good movie, so cute.Rob plays awkward Art perfectly, and it was overall a great movie.
'How To Be' starts off strong but quickly turns into a drawn-out yawnof a movie. The plot progresses slowly and the character development ofArt, played by a blasé Robert Pattinson, turns the viewer fromunderstanding and caring (about what happens to his relationships) toannoyance. His mates are, in my opinion, there to fill the gaps in thestory- they really never help Art in his quest for 'normal' and to beblunt- it was too difficult to understand what they were saying (at onepoint I had to turn on the subtitles so I knew what was going on) thisis never a good sign.There is hope, however, for the young Mr. Pattinson. Though Art seemslike a lost cause from the first moment he lies, Robert in a small way-keeps this movie a float. At some points Art is such a downer (which isbrought on by his own doing) that I found it hard to 'put' myselfthrough the rest of the movie. There are comedic moments when Pattinsonis charming and moments when he holds your attention (close to the end)but it does not change the outcome of the overall film witch just leadsone to believe- yes, sometimes we all need a little help- and in thiscase it is the film that needs it.'How To Be' could be considered an art house flick but it is 100% andIndie drama. The settings are the streets of England and the overallproduction creates the feeling that you are standing in the midst oftheir conversations (when you can understand them) and the music helpsthe movie along nicely, but then again the music is by and large,toodrab.
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) This is a funny film, the humor can be awkward and uncomfortable but in a charming way. This is a good movie if you can appreciate this kind of humor. Robert Pattinson portrays his character well, he's sad and pathetic and likable. Rebecca Pidgeon (who is always good) and Michael Irving play the mother and father and are both great!
This review is from: How to Be (DVD) I'll admit I only bought this because I'm a Pattison fan...but I was actually quite surprised by the fun, quirky and often heart warming nature of the film. The cast is delightful, particularly Rebecca Pidgeon as Pattison's distant mother. Pattison himself was funny and heartwernching at the same time. It was almost painful to watch him blunder through a failed relationship, friends who attempt to be helpful, a crazy self-help guru for hire and an awkward attempt to find out just who he is. If you like indy films or just like Mr. pattison, you'll love this film.
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