This film is based on an acclaimed novel by Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan and was very recently released by Phase 4 Films and Melee Entertainment. The Fat Boy Chronicles, which is based on a true story, is a Dove Family Approved film. Phase 4 Films Inc. focuses their energies on creating features films that have special interest content. The Fat Boy Chronicles is directed by Jason Winn and is an award winner endorsed and used by many educators as a teaching tool in the classroom. This film was also featured on local and national news outlets, including CBS News. Melee Entertainment produces and acquires high-quality films that focus on the urban genre. Melee Entertainment employs many new and disenfranchised African-American and Hispanic talent as actors as well as behind-camera staff.
At first, I was hesitant to watch it simply because of the name. I am so against “labels” and the thought of watching something with the words “Fat Boy” in it, just turned my stomach. However, based on the information I had been given about this film being an inspirational film and one that is being used to teach students about the harmful effects of bullying and how to overcome bullying if you are the target, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and watch it.
Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! The beginning of the show introduces the viewers to a 14-year old boy who has struggled for years with a weight issue and with bullying. He is entering his first year of high school and doesn’t know any of the kids at his new school so has an entirely new group of bullies to deal with. One thing in this young man’s life that he has going for him is a strong family support system and a strong spiritual commitment.
Along his journey, he finds a girl who is fighting her own demons and has another longtime friend (male) who is also dealing with his own set of problems. What this young man goes thru is enough to make anyone quit…but he doesn’t….in fact, he thrives and he helps others along the way.
Do yourself a favor and watch this film. I’d recommend watching it yourself first and then deciding which ages of children should be allowed to watch it. The subject of “cutting” comes up but there are no actual scenes of anyone doing it…just the scars. In addition to
bullying, the subjects of physical/mental abuse and alcoholism are addressed.
Hello, my name is Laurie. My family and I live near the Oregon coast. When we aren’t at work, in school, or on the volleyball court, we enjoy traveling, cheering for our favorite sports teams, playing outdoors, and checking off items on our bucket list. We are lucky in that both sets of our parents, as well as our siblings and their families, live within an hour of us. We get together often to help one another out, celebrate milestones, and go on adventures together.
