Wonderfully offbeat film!

Overrated

Fresh and Exciting

Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

I do struggle to see how people can seriously review this film higher than maybe a 3. I found the premise of the film to be quite interesting, but for me it failed to deliver- at all. I also knew that I quite enjoyed Robert Pattinson's music usually, and wondered that the character of Art may express his problems through some awesome music- but that didn't happen. Although, I have to admit, I didn't see the film through to the very end so it may suddenly flourish in the last few minutes, however I still wouldn't feel that a film is any good if you have to survive 95% of rubbish to reach something good.The main weak point in this film is the acting. It's possible all the actors are usually quite good, myself I normally have no problem with Pattinson, but I found there was at best an amateurish feel from most of the cast. I felt I recognised the acting from how my class mates acted in school drama classes, without any real shreds of sincerity. However there are a lot of reviewers who seemingly would disagree with me. Knowing the hysteria there is about Robert Pattinson, I feel that the high reviews may be sparked by his popularity, and if you love Pattinson then...well... he is in the film, so you will get another dose of him if that's what you're after. However, if you wish for anything else from a film (good acting, humour, excitement, drama, your time not feeling wasted) then you're unlikely to find it here.

I thought this movie was excellent. I didn't see the "comedy," but I've never understood British humor. It was very well acted. After a few moments, I no longer saw Pattinson, just Art. As a huge Pattinson/Cullen fan, that speaks volumes for his acting talent. Pattinson is far more than a pretty face. He brings to life all of Art's insecurities and anxieties - I felt all of that. I wanted to grab him, shake him, and scream at him to get over it, already. This wasn't a light-hearted movie that you sit back and relax with - be prepared to feel a wide range of emotions. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys character pieces.

'How To Be' starts off strong but quickly turns into a drawn-out yawn of a movie. The plot progresses slowly and the character development of Art, played by a blasé Robert Pattinson, turns the viewer from understanding and caring (about what happens to his relationships) to annoyance. His mates are, in my opinion, there to fill the gaps in the story- they really never help Art in his quest for 'normal' and to be blunt- it was too difficult to understand what they were saying (at one point I had to turn on the subtitles so I knew what was going on) this is never a good sign.There is hope, however, for the young Mr. Pattinson. Though Art seems like a lost cause from the first moment he lies, Robert in a small way- keeps this movie a float. At some points Art is such a downer (which is brought on by his own doing) that I found it hard to 'put' myself through the rest of the movie. There are comedic moments when Pattinson is charming and moments when he holds your attention (close to the end) but it does not change the outcome of the overall film witch just leads one to believe- yes, sometimes we all need a little help- and in this case it is the film that needs it.'How To Be' could be considered an art house flick but it is 100% and Indie drama. The settings are the streets of England and the overall production creates the feeling that you are standing in the midst of their conversations (when you can understand them) and the music helps the movie along nicely, but then again the music is by and large,too drab.

I was one of the lucky ones to see this movie at Slamdance. I absolutely loved this movie. "This is not your typical Robert Pattinson movie. He doesn't play a good-looking, heart-throb. Robert plays Art, an insecure, confused, depressed, misfit who has no direction, no real social skills, and no support from his parents. His only love is music, but he sucks at that too. After the break up from his girlfriend, he basically looses it and has to move back in with his parents. This is his struggle to become "normal" so his parents and friends will accept and love him. He even goes to the extreme of hiring a self-help professional to help him. You will feel so sad for Art – trust me! Don't get me wrong, this movie contains endless British humor to lighten the subject up. A wonderful independent movie with a great message. A job well done for Robert Pattinson.