Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

By: Jamie Steinberg

The movie title touts Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life; however, everyone else knows that to be high school. Once you get into the premise of the film though, you’ll understand why main character Rafe would think otherwise.

Based on a series of books by famed author James Patterson, the film Middle School centers on our anti-hero Rafe Khatchadorian (Griffin Gluck) as he begins attending a new school. Almost immediately he finds his creativity stifled by the “rule with an iron fist” Principal Dwight (Andy Daly) who tries to put the kibosh on Rafe’s cartooning.

Teaming with a new pal Leo (Thomas Barbusca), Rafe undertakes a plan to retaliate by breaking every rule in the school’s handbook. Famed film principals Ed Rooney from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Dick Vernon from The Breakfast Club hold more venom than Daly’s character, but that’s okay because this is a movie more for kids than teens or even preteens.

Attempting to further relate to middle school movie watchers is that Rafe is also bullied by classmates. Plus, his most awkward moments arrive when attempting to chat up crush Jeanne (Isabela Moner). And then there is Rafe’s sister, Georgia (Alexa Nisenson), who packs quite a punch with her sass that when we see her guzzling coffee and even driving the family car, we have to giggle. So, there are at least a few laughable moments throughout the film, but mostly the movie feels more like a miss than a middle school motivational movement. At least the animation added for Rafe’s cartoons will be of interest of young viewers.

There are some downers though to the movie that might stick out like a sore thumb to more adult viewers. First, the kids are able to break into the school every night to cause chaos. With the drama around every corner these days it would be hard to believe this one is without video surveillance, door codes and/or security guards. Adding to the issues is Jules (Lauren Graham) – Rafe’s mother – relationship with Carl (Rob Riggle). Her feelings for him blinded her to the point that she didn’t see how badly he was treating her children. I would hope that as a single parent she may have had a greater concern for her kids than her love life.

In the end, “Operation R.A.F.E.” turns life around for down-on-his-luck Rafe. Kids will at least get a hoot out of turning the tables on Principal Dwight and they’ll see that sometimes enemies can become friends. It’s got a little bit of something for everyone of that age so maybe do your little ones a solid and turn this on for them. While it won’t fit for adults, it should give preteens a little perspective.

DVD extras include “That Middle School Life,” which gives viewers a look at Rafe’s life as a middle school student. You’ll meet his friends, look around his new school and get a glimpse at his happiest hobby – drawing. Feature “Middle School = The Worst/Making Movies = The Best” is a cute look behind the scenes and all the onset antics that went into making the film. The most humorous of all is “The Wedgie Wheel.” When watching the movie, you’ll see Rafe drawing a few formats of wedgies that kids can perform on one another. Here you’ll see the cast inventing and explaining their own kinds of wedgies! Finally, “Yolo: Behind Operation Rafe” is all about putting Rafe’s plan into action. Check out a making of look at the pranks that the kids undertake to put Principal Dwight in his place.

Final Analysis: A funny film that is solely suited for middle school aged misfits. (2.4 of 5 stars)