How to Eat Fried Worms

Story: During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.

Review: Director Bob Dolman (directed "The Banger Sisters"), creates a delightful film that is both funny and poignant for our pre-adolescents. Those who remember their pre-teen years can also relate to hardships that come with being in the fifth grade. I watched this movie with about twenty, 11 year olds that had either already seen it or were viewing for the first time. I have never witness twenty, 11 year olds so glued to a movie! A topic I feel that is mostly glossed over by society; bullying has become a kind of 'right of passage'. Either you were bullied as a kid or your were the bully. As children come into their own it seems to be left up to the kids to decide where they stand. Maybe adults can only coach their kids so far and it is really left up to them to make their own decisions in the matter. Ah, growing pains - don't miss them.

But our choices do mold and shape us for our adult lives. The movie even touches upon Billy's father's difficulties in saying no to playing tennis with his bullying boss. He is terrible at it, but does so to save face, much like his son in eating 10 worms. The film interestingly enough delves into the bully's own bully - his brother Nigel. In the middle of the film there is a scene with Joe (our 11 year old bully) and his brother Nigel discussing Joe's painful experience at school that day. Our sympathy grows for Joe as his brother taunts him regarding his public humiliation that left Joe embarrassed and hurt. It brings to light the origination of "the bully". It starts at home; it is a real problem for our children and eventually for us too - the adults. It makes you wonder if we only could brake the cycle of this kind of abuse, that maybe we could make bullying a footnote in history.

On a lighter note the actors are wonderfully comfortable making the audience squirm and chuckle with laughter at their antics. I recommend this movie for all ages, it will leave you with the warm fuzzies. But those of you with weak stomachs, take note it is a little gross. My pre-adolescents would say that is the best part!