Fred: The Movie – review

Sep - 19 2010 | Sarah Peel | 33 comments

Fred

Fred: The Movie may sound like a cheesy Mr. Bean wannabe movie, but in the end turned out to be unique and highly contagious in laughter. The movie follows the main character, named Fred, and his daily adventures, which are shocking in a good way.  It starred Nick star Jennette McCurdy. This movie had something to offer for all age groups and can be a great film for family movie night.

Fred, who originally was a TV star on YouTube, took time to explain to new fans about his life and his family. That makes following him and his train of thought easier, since he jumps to many conclusions early on in the movie. I have seen previous Fred episodes on YouTube; I do feel that the movie may not be 100% true to the original series revolving around Fred. At times Fred seems like a normal teen in the movie, while in his series he plays a 6-year-old, which leads you to believe that he may not be normal. He always acts like a little child in the original videos, but then again they did write the movie to take place 9 years later than Fred’s original videos. But even with Fred being 15 in the movie, he does not always act like a 15-year-old. They made this change work and still kept all of the key characters in place (I believe that they may have even added one or two in the movie). They may have had to make a few changes in order to make Fred: The Movie work for Nickelodeon, like the fact that he is 15 in the movie, but I am happy to say that Fred still maintained his childlike charms in the movie. But I do wonder how this will affect his web series.

The humor in movie was outstanding, I figured that the humor would be a little dry and childish, but it was not. Fred has plenty of wild thoughts and can even be naïve at times. His friend Bertha(played by the very talented and lovely actress Jennette McCurdy) is one of the better characters next to Fred, of course. Together they almost seem like the whole movie should be about them only. Yet we do not get to see that much of Bertha, which is very sad because her character is one of a few nice ones in the movie. You can also see his mother and his “father.”

I loved how Fred jumped to conclusions and how he always had big ideas; I also enjoyed how he was never really worried about how silly he was or if he offended someone. I think that they captured childhood well in the movie, and they showcased the essence of Fred in a fabulous way. They showed just how much he dreams and that if he really wants something he will work hard to get it. Which in my opinion is a key thing that I do believe that this movie could teach older kids.

Can adults watch it and not be bored? Yes.  In fact, I think I laughed through ut the whole movie. I also think that this is one of the few movies that is completely family friendly on all sides. However, since it does deal with relationships, I do think that it is better suited for older kids, since younger kids may not like a storyline that deals with crushes. I do think that this is one of the better movies with humor that can be understood by all age groups 100% without being cheesy. I cannot wait for them to release this movie on DVD and Blu-Ray. I think Nickelodeon may have a hard time beating this movie, and they should give Fred a sequel since the story really has not ended. I even think that they should give him his own TV show. But I might be jumping to a conclusion here, and I assume we will find out how many viewers it had during its premier. But I hope that it did well enough that this will not be the last of Fred on Nick.

My favorite part of the movie were the characters of Fred and Bertha.  I think that they made the movie what it is, since they both showed that, yes, being an outcast can be cool. It is a good idea to teach that to teens, and I think that the movie did a good job conveying that. My least favorite part of the movie was that at times it was hard to judge which scene was Fred’s imagination or real life. It could be confusing because of that, but still it was a great movie, and I cannot wait to see it again already. Nickelodeon has a huge hit in their hands, or at least in my opinion.

For the ideal age group, I think 9 or 10 years old would be a good age for them to be okay with a movie that had to deal with personal relationships. Though as I stated above, this movie is one of those few exceptions that are actually good for a whole family, and if it would not bother younger kids to see a movie about teens, then it would be fun for them to watch it. I think that pretty much, it would be suitable for anyone, but I do understand that some parents may not wish for young kids to watch a movie about teenagers or even innocent teen crushes. But I can assure you that Fred: The Movie is something that is beyond what most movies about teens are. The movie will keep you on your toes, and the ending may shock some of you in a good way. But I do feel that the story does not end where they left it. It deserves to have a bigger and better ending.


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About Sarah Peel

Sarah Peel is a freelance writer/blogger who has written for many sites and is the owner of Miss Virtual Reality

33 Comments

  1. MichaelZ says:

    It’s funny that you should compare this movie Bean because those were my first thoughts during the first 5 minutes of it, but after that I totally enjoyed this movie. I have followed Fred on youtube for the last 2 years and was impressed with what they did in the movie. My 16 year old daughter introduced me to the shorts on youtube and I have been a huge fan of the series ever since. The whole family sits around the computer and watches the shorts and before you know it an hour has passed by. We were looking forward to seeing the movie and I can actually say that I was not disappointed with it at all. Many times when I anticipate the release of a movie it does not meet my expectations. Surprisingly this one did. I do think the TV network should strike while it’s hot and do another movie or at least find a way to bring the Teen age version of Fred to a series on Nick. Just look how popular the 3 Stooges shorts are. They are timeless classics. I think they have a hit with Fred. Congratulations Lucas!!!

  2. George says:

    How come Fred the movie is on so late at night? It would be much better for me and my brother if the movie ended @ 9PM vs. 10pm as we miss the last hour.

    Sincerely,

    George Hausner

  3. Melissa says:

    I don’t agree.I think the point is that this is not appropriate for children under a certain age it promotes the use of drugs and alcohol. It is saying that it is okay to steal from your parents and stores. It is saying that… its fine to act out. It’s sending an all around bad message to kids and I would not want my child to learn such bad behavior from shows and movies like this….So to all those who disagree that’s fine your entitled to your opinion but just stop and think would you want your children to act like that and do those things that they think is “cool” or right bc some guy on TV is doing it? I feel that we should let our children watch more educational programing that promotes learning and proper mannerism not this crap!

    • Heather says:

      100% AGREE! Nick scraped the bottom of the barrel with this one — back to good old fashion cartoon network; although even there has its moments. Where did the Flintstones go? Smurfs? Bugs Bunny? Woody Woodpecker? The good, wholesome shows that made you laugh because it was FUNNY, not because it was GROSS or OBNOXIOUS.

      If this is the example Nick wants to set then they need not be a kids programming channel.

      • Brittany says:

        You’re not seriously saying that Bugs Bunny is wholesome, are you?

        • Dean says:

          I can’t think of a less sympathetic, more obnoxious title character than Woody Woodpecker. The Woody and Bugs Bunny cartoons followed very predictable story arcs. In the first 2 minutes, the unlikeable antagonist injures, offends, or harasses the main character, spurring him to action. The remaining 5 minutes consists of short sequences where the main character greatly escalates the conflict, getting revenge on the antagonist in increasingly violent and humiliating ways. All the while, impressionable, young viewers are identifying or siding with the main character as he teaches the antagonist a lesson.

          These pre-1960′s cartoons are probably less appropriate for young children than Fred the Movie.

          • Anthony says:

            Those where the 1960′s, dumb***.

            A cartoon is just a cartoon, but some tool running around doing stupid things? Fake cussin and racist jokes that are supposed to come off as “funny” doesn’t make this show any better than looney toons.I think that in the year 2010, they can come up with something better than fred.

    • Rockie says:

      C’mon. Let your kids have a life! It’s just some silly show!

  4. Shamp says:

    I feel Nick hit rock-bottom with this “movie.” I watched the first 10 minutes or so with my 7 year old daughter and that’s all I could take. It was the cheesiest, worst-directed, worst-acted piece of garbage I have ever seen, and that’s saying something–previously, that honor had belonged to the original Twilight movie. The main character was an effeminate-mannered, childish boy who talked like a girl….seriously–if you want the character to be gay, then make him gay–don’t insult us otherwise… Anyway, it was a piece of dung movie that my children will not be watching again–ever.

    • Heather says:

      Disgusting! I have never had to censor my kids with Nick or Disney on. But tonight I happened to glance over, and all I saw was a bunch of teens throwing up everywhere. I made the kids change it.

      This is funny?

      This is what Nick thinks is appropriate for kids?

      Is this how we are teaching the next generation to grow up?

      Nick, hire some adults over 25; get rid of this crap and put on some healthy shows.

      • Bailey says:

        Really? Calm down everyone, in my opinion you’re all too worried about your child’s innocence. Fred the movie is meant for a older age group!
        Fact: Fred isn’t meant to be gay! (Its supposed to be funny for KID’S not ADULTS)
        Fact: Nick didn’t come up with idea of Fred , it was the actor (Lucas Cruikshank) that first made up Fred so if Nick went and changed all of the facts it wouldn’t be the same.

        You all need to calm down, if you don’t like Fred…DON’T WATCH HIM.

  5. Derin says:

    you are so ill and i would like to be like you and please come to Belize someday u are cool ask for Derin JOE MARIANO PLEASE ITS BELIZE CENTRAL AMERICA YOU ARE MY GREATEST FAN WOOOOOOOOW HOPE TO HAIR FROM YOU SOON

  6. Derin says:

    AWWWWWWWWWWW YOUR AWESOME I MADE A MISTAKE I LIKE THE WAY U DUG ALL THE WAY TO CHINA ME AND MY MOM LOUGH AND LOUGH

  7. Derin says:

    I WOULD DO ENYTHING IF U COME TO BELIZE AND I MEAN ENYTHING

  8. angela says:

    This was totally the worst and cheesiest movie i have ever seen. Fred is just so annoying and obnoxious, how could anyone watch him? And derin, he’d never come see u. Get real

  9. Kenday34 says:

    This was the worst movie I have ever seen! Seriously dont waste ur time people, I have such a headache from all of his screaming. Im so annoyed right now from watching it, I feel like I lost part of my life. there was way too much riske stuff in it like, gammit? you cahnge one letter and it’s okay to say it OMG, this was a horrible movie and they even mentioned Sex Appeal, no kid should be hearing this stuff.

    • Kaitlin says:

      They didn’t make a big deal over the “sex appeal” part. Plus kids don’t know what it means so why does it matter? Gammit isn’t a bad word the movie promotes kids not to cuss.

  10. vincent says:

    fred sucks

  11. Chris says:

    Fred is an idiot .. i hated him when i first saw him on icarly .. when i saw the preview for his movie i vomited in my mouth a little bit and i actually tried to give him the benefit of doubt and watch his movie .. i was sadly mistaken and unfortunately i cannot regain the 25 minutes of my life back .. his voice is ridiculously annoying and he also gives of vibes of being a homo .. smh what was nick thinking

  12. Kaitlin says:

    I liked Fred and ya’ll need to chill out. The whole point is for Fred to be a wierdo and he didn’t steal!!! Actually the only part I didn’t like was the mexican part it was a little racist…and I’m white. Fred isn’t gay he’s immature there is a big differnce. He says “gammit” and it’s no big deal but at first I thought he was cussing guess not. And if it wasted your life so much why are you wasting more of your life telling people about it???

  13. Amaya says:

    I think fred is really GAY! But i can’t belive they said stuff related to sez appel like they said Judy lova my little brother and sister where watching that and asked what a lover is!

  14. Anthony says:

    This crap is supposed to be funny? This is f’n lame, my kids where so disappointed. And it’s borderline inappropriate for children. Do not watch this sorry attempt at a “movie”.

    By the way, you can’t compare some r’tard like fred to bugs bunny.
    Because one of these two is actually funny and it’s not the fruity tard on youtube.

  15. Stephanie says:

    This movie has a lot of hidden meanings. I think its not for kids, maybe teens. Its not good for kids to look up to that.

  16. kay says:

    i went to go and see this flim today with my boyfriend and what **** it was I still have freds ringing voice in my ear which sounds to me like spongebob an a little girl it is the worst movie iv’e ever seen in my entire life , and i’ve seen some pretty crap movies.

  17. fred says:

    this movie is rubbish. It not funny. Its not interesting and it smells bad

  18. OMGuscuck says:

    J**** guys u really think the movie was good?

  19. squirrelz says:

    this movie is actually really funny..i hated him and his annoying voice on his short youtube videos, but in the movie then make it a lil more normal..this movie is seriously funny. who cares what your kids watch, theres so much more worse things in the world theyre exposed to,this movie will make no differance. get over it

  20. Eb says:

    This movie was highly inappropriate for anyone let alone children. I couldn’t believe Nick put it on their network. This is not what I want my children to watch and be influenced by. An immature boy who has extreme effeminate tendencies, who is disrespectful, gross, and is just a sneeze away from cursing. This is nonsense. Not to mention the pet shop scene, which was more than obvious. Yet they didn’t want verbalize the clear homosexuality; all the while kicking down the door as they come out of the closet. This was quite insulting at those of us with an IQ over 2. If you were to meet someone who acted like Fred in real life you would be saying the same thing, “He’s gay” Oh please, it’s condescending to suggest otherwise. And to the person who said we are too worried about our children’s innocence. WHAT??? If we aren’t who will be, that’s the stupidest thing said yet. “Let’s just expose them to everything” what kind of attitude is that? They are children it is a parent’s job to keep them innocent and protected, not to would be just negligent. This movie clearly has some hidden agendas and if this is the standard Nick is going to set, then I don’t think my children will be watching any more. And I will spread the word.

  21. not a parent and extremely concerned says:

    I do not even have kids and probly never will but after seeing part of this Fred on a children’s network absolutely blew my mind! Are u friggin kidding me? Who cares about the fake cursing.. who wants there child’s young easily influenced mind to see this loser act like a flaming homosexual. Its now a TV show that will probly be on daily and before you know it your young son will be prancing around the house fluttering his eyelids and speaking like a little fairy princess! because he thinks it is acceptable seeing flaming Fred do it. If a child grows up that way on his own its one thing. But to display on TV for them before they actually know how widely unaccepted this type of behavior is in the real world. Anyone who says this behavior is accepted is crazy, just cause everyone doesn’t voice how they feel about it anymore as much doesn’t mean it isn’t being thought. Unfortunately gay is not just gay and there is this horrible effeminate behavior that some gay choose to exhibit. If they choose to act that way on there own they know the hate that comes with it. A child will not and this is just an attempt by gay to further spread the gay seed to our youths. Completely unnatural and unacceptable. Its bad enough with all this generations teens being more gay then ever before. I blame shows like this. What is wrong with you all that are OK with this.. if you are then you must have been a Fred and if u were or are a Fred why would u wish to put

  22. Fredhater says:

    This is the stupidest most annoying movie in the history of all history. Fred’s girlish body language, the gay inuendos, the disrespect with cursing, and his stupid annoying screechy scream. UGH! Nicko, what were you thinking? Take this crap off. WORST. CHARACTER. EVER!!!!! I have a big mouth (although not as big as Fred’s) and a lot of friends and we’re banning our kids from watching all Nick shows until you take this rubbish off television and toss the scripts in the trash where they belong. Truly led to a disappointment in this network.

  23. Nicole says:

    To EB and the Not the Parent:

    I not only feel sorry for your children that their parents are so close-minded about gay people, but you are the types of parents who have children who bully kids in schools because they have such anal ass parents. For the comment below, I’m not sure what fucking world your living in but so far 8 states have legalized marriage and let me make you aware that being gay is ACCEPTED in our world. If you’d get Ur head out of your own ass you’d realize it too. And about the Fred movie or show on Nick–who gives a s*** if the kid acts like a flaming homo–are you going to shelter your kids from the world bc eventually they will be exposed to several homos in their lives. Than what? I can only hope and pray that neither one of your children come out and tell you they like the same sex bc god forbid you tell them you want nothing to do with them.

    ONE LOVE–EQUALITY FOR ALL!
    -Nicole

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