With recent films such as Legendary, Knucklehead and The Chaperone, WWE Studios has proven that WWE stars can hang with some of Hollywood’s best, and that they are capable of playing more than just tough guy action heroes. But with its latest release, That’s What I Am (available today on DVD and Blu-ray), WWE ventures into more serious topics, allowing the focus to be on the talents of accomplished actors like Ed Harris and Amy Madigan and younger stars like Chase Ellison and Alexander Walters, with current World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton playing a somewhat sinister supporting role.

A film festival favorite, That’s What I Am is a nostalgic and lighthearted dramedy that unfolds like a cross between The Wonder Years and Freaks and Geeks as Andy Nichol (Ellison, who also costarred with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Tooth Fairy) begins to learn the ups and downs of impending adulthood during his final year of junior high. From figuring out how to handle the advances of Mary Clear (Mia Rose Frampton), the prettiest girl in school, to facing ridicule from his classmates after being paired with “Big G” (Walters), the school’s biggest outcast (literally and figuratively), for an English project, Andy is confronted with varying levels of prejudice from multiple sources.

The main conflict arises when accusations about the sexual orientation of Mr. Simon (Harris) come about, with Orton’s character (an intolerant father with a short fuse) threatening to make the rumors about the popular and accomplished teacher public knowledge (a rather damaging prospect in the film’s 1965 setting). From students to parents, everyone is faced with how to handle their own fears and prejudices as the school year comes to an end and the kids find themselves on the brink of high school and all its challenges.

Ed Freel (Randy Orton) talks to Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan) in "That's What I Am"

The latest in the current anti-bullying/accept-me-as-I-am pop cultural trend, That’s What I Am is a somewhat surprising and refreshing departure for WWE, which continues to expand its presence in the overall entertainment world. The DVD/Blu-ray release includes extras such as bloopers, on-set footage with Orton and the movie’s world premeire at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

That’s What I Am. Written and directed by Mike Pavone. Starring Ed Harris, Chase Ellison and Amy Madigan. Rated PG. www.thatswhatiammovie.com. 

Review by Jonathan Williams