Standing Up

The generically titled Standing Up registers as a mildly inspiring if familiar tale of adolescents standing up to bullying.

"Standing Up" is mildly entertaining. Basso picks up steam as the movie moves ahead, but for the first third or so she seems to display only whininess.

A throwback to the no-nonsense kidpics common circa 1985.

It's unclear who this blandly titled drama is aimed at--devoid as it is of humor or any real hazard and lacking the provocative undertones of its source material.

There's a lot to recommend here.

Insightful, frank look at how two kids survive bullying.

A nicely captured if fairly straightforward coming-of-age film about transcending adolescent summer camp bullying.

The film's pathos at times seems all-consuming, to where a little more suspense along the way might have helped hold the attention of younger viewers.

Ending aches to extract tears, yet it's a mild manipulation, and one that's earned by this kindly, thoughtful drama -- a comfortable alternative for families burned out on animated releases.