Watch How to Beat a Bully

How to Beat a Bully is a family-friendly, coming-of-age film that follows the journey of a middle-schooler named Cory Sinks, played by Grant McLellan, as he faces one of the toughest challenges of his young life: overcoming a school bully. Cory is a quick-witted and charismatic youngster who seems to capture the attention of everyone he meets, except for his school bully, who goes by the name of "Sweet" Timothy Lee. Timothy, played by Eric Lauritzen, is the quintessential school bully, who enjoys exerting his dominance over his peers by belittling them, stealing their possessions, and physically intimidating them.

As the story unfolds, we see that Cory is far from alone when it comes to being bullied by Timothy. In fact, there is an entire culture of fear and intimidation that Timothy has created at the school, which Cory is determined to break.

With the help of his best friend Veronica, played by Elise Angell, Cory devises a plan to take down Timothy and put an end to his reign of terror over the school. Along the way, we see Cory grow in confidence, courage, and strength as he confronts his fears head-on and learns to stand up for what is right.

What sets How to Beat a Bully apart from other films in its genre is the way in which it handles the topic of bullying. Rather than relying on heavy-handed melodrama or preachy moralizing, the film presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of what it's like to be a victim of bullying.

We see how the fear and shame that comes with being bullied can make it difficult to speak out and seek help. We see how it can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. And we see the immense relief and empowerment that comes with finally standing up and saying "enough is enough."

One of the standout elements of the film is the chemistry between its lead actors. Grant McLellan is a natural talent, delivering a performance that is authentic, charming, and relatable. Eric Lauritzen also shines as the villainous Timothy, bringing a complexity to the character that goes beyond the typical bully archetype.

But it's Elise Angell's portrayal of Veronica that steals the show. Veronica is a strong, confident, and independent character who serves not just as Cory's best friend, but as a role model for young women watching the film. Her quick wit and bravery are a refreshing change from the typical damsel-in-distress trope often found in coming-of-age stories.

Overall, How to Beat a Bully is a film that both kids and adults can enjoy. It's a heartwarming and inspiring story that teaches important lessons about standing up for oneself, being true to oneself, and the power of friendship. It's a film that reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find hope, courage, and resilience.

How to Beat a Bully is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.