American Yearbook (2004) User Reviews

There are pros and cons when you're watching this film.....

[Irishchatter · 6/10 · 25 April 2015]

So Ill start with the things that could've been better in this film:-

1. The actor that played Will Nash didn't show any emotions at all, he looked completely blank. I felt he didn't care on what the role he was given to do.If I ever was involved with the movie, I think I would put this actor as someone who would be good at playing as a friend with the perpetrators.

2. When Will gets killed off screen, we see that the bully is being interviewed by the authorities. However we don't see the parents feeling devastated in which it should've appeared in the film like its meant to be a very devastating event. I'm thinking, why isn't this involved? Why are they even looking at the police as if nothing had happened? I found the ending really badly done to be honest and it doesn't have to be a low budget film to get it done right!!!!!!!!!!

So onto the pros:

1.The actor who played the head bully was very good at playing an actual bully. He gave us a really realistic feel on how cruel a bully is. His expressions were just right for the part! I was so annoyed when he hit Chance's bicycle, I know it was part of the scene but Jesus I would be raging if anyone hit my bicycle like that!

2.Will's new friend Chance is like someone you just want to be friends with but needs a little push on getting help in regards with being bullied and not having a good lifestyle at home. He seems to be a very troubled and a warm hearted chap if no bullying was involved in his life.

3. I'm really glad they got Giovannie Pico acting as Amanda. She was like someone who is honest and not like one of the mean girls you would see. Like she didn't need to be beautiful to act as the character, inside the character seemed like someone you could trust and doesn't get obsessed with study because this girl would approach you first!

Watch this film and you can decide if you agree with me opinions or not.

Up & Coming Director/Writer Brian Ging has heart!

[Glorinda · 10/10 · 22 March 2004]

Up & Coming Director/Writer Brian Ging has genuine heart! Brian has created a realistic and hard hitting story. He has masterfully used powerful images to

uncover his plot.

American Yearbook is an insightful look at high school bullying and it's ill effects on society. The story follows one set of teens plight but it really reflects a larger picture of what goes on in our high schools today. With films like 'Bowling For Columbine' and 'American Yearbook', society is forced to examine this troubling issue. Brian weaves a natural story that evokes both empathy and horror in the audience.

I was dee[ly honored to have played the high school counselor in this disturbing drama. My role helped to define the point of view of the school and the 'head in the sand' attitude that can prevail. What is more important - the life of one teen or the reputation of the whole school?

This one will leave you wondering...

[neonaqua13 · 10/10 · 28 July 2004]

I saw American Yearbook today for the first time. All I can say is that I plan on seeing it again. The film presents itself well, complete with a beautiful original score and creative shots by its director, Brian Ging.

American Yearbook tells the tale of Will Nash, a high school teen trying to get through each day without a bloody lip and a black eye. While Will encounters the everyday high school problems, like friends and girlfriends, he also has a somewhat unique problem with bullies. He and his new friend Chance are bullied perhaps more than any other kid in the school, much to the ignorance of the faculty and their very own parents. The duo decides to "take out" the tireless bullies, and even find themselves a gun.

I thought the movie was very well done. It started well, and set a solid foundation for the rest of the movie. Partially through the movie I found myself asking how it would end. Of course this is true of any movie, but I felt that AY really wrapped up in a fashion better than I would have imagined, seeing as it deals with a post-columbine world.

All in all, I highly recommend this movie. I find that the mark of a good and interesting movie is that it will leave you wondering long after it is over. And this one will certainly leave you wondering...

An excellent story that could be true anywhere

[joeacts · 10/10 · 10 May 2004]

This is an eye-opening story that goes inside the minds and lives of the characters to see what drives them to the brink and eventually over the edge. It has great character development and lets you see all aspects of their personalities. The movie flows well and never gets slow. It is a complete story with a great and surprising twist in the end. Brian does and excellent job directing this movie. He draws you in and keeps your attention throughout the entire movie. The characters were realistically portrayed, and very believable. I would recommend this movie to teenagers and parents or soon to be parents of teenagers, as well as anyone who likes a great drama.

What an excellent film.

[Joe_Gonzales · 10/10 · 14 March 2007]

What a fantastic movie, it's hard to believe that this was the first feature ever directed by Brian Ging. I hope to see more work out of him soon. I truly hope that more films like this are taken seriously by Hollywood, because this film deals with todays issues. It's not all sugar and spice and everything nice in todays schools. This film shows the true gritty nature of America's youth and their ability to be cruel and unmerciless to those that they feel are beneath them. This film should send up red flags and numerous messages to not only current students but to also parents, administrators and the general public and it should hopefully spur drastic changes in the current system. Mr. Ging's message in this film is loud and clear, now it's up to the rest of the world to decide whether or not they're going to listen and pay it any mind. I hope that the world gets the same chance that I did to view this film, so that they too become educated to what is going on today in our schools.