Norman (2010) User Reviews

A Careful Mistake

[tributarystu · 5/10 · 23 November 2012]

Sometimes, if you just follow an actor/actress around in a cinematic sense, you are bound to come across some rough road. The reason why Norman is such a patch of film is because its focus is too intense and it cannot justify the feel-good compromises it adheres to.

The narrative goes about the life of a suffering high-schooler, who has just lost his mother in a car accident and whose father is dying of cancer. Within the midst of all this, he meets the gorgeous Emily, a new arrival in his high-school, who for no apparent reason other than his Monty Python savvyness and a terribly depressing speech about suicide clings on to him in a very happy-go-lucky kind of way. Unfortunately, she amounts to little more than a caricature for the rest of the film, as is the case with all the other supporting characters.

Norman's pain is portrayed in a convincing manner by Dan Byrd and Richard Jenkins complements him very well in the role of his father, a duo of suffering and misanthropy. Additionally, Emily Van Camp's "Emily" shows quite a bit of promise in the first couple of scenes, but then just fades into the murky background. Unfortunately, I found the premise of the movie to be hard to accept and its consequent predictability and need for an optimistic conclusion harmed what could have been a strong if extremely bleak story.

It brought "World's Greatest Dad" to mind as far as the social comments on perception are concerned, but it lacked the conviction to explore this matter thoroughly. As such, Norman doesn't really say much and never finds a much needed balance to bring it "home".

Norman: Nothing New Here

[iquine · 6/10 · 31 October 2019]

(Flash Review)

A moderately depressed high school boy, mourning the death of his mother along with his father who is dying of cancer, tells a lie that he has cancer; using his father's medical scans a proof. Before sparking the lie, he had just met a pretty girl, new to school, who likes him the for himself; now cancer may muddy the emotional waters. Although, it isn't really clear or believable what she finds appealing in this boy. So the obvious plot question is how long can or will he keep the lie going as his friends, father and female interest don't know the lie he's stringing people along for. Will the lie crush his relationship and world or make him a better person in the end? Overall, this was a stereotypical confused high school adolescent story, with a minimally interesting core concept, executed without any risk or boldness or interesting cinematography or editing; bland yet watchable as the acting was solid.

very OK

[sarahdubious · 5/10 · 12 November 2013]

Norman is standard and safe as it gets, which is to say that it does nothing new, and it's all a bit of a bore. In this regard it kind of adheres to your worst ideas about what constitutes an indie film. Dan Byrd was pretty okay in the lead role -- but I found something very surface-y about his performance, and, for that matter, in the movie itself. It's one of those movies that isn't really bold enough in its concept or execution. At the end you just ask yourself why it exists. I did enjoy the soundtrack, however, and as bizarre as it sounds I liked the poster art as well (that's what made me decide to watch this movie in the first place). But beyond that there is little to recommend here. Pass.

9.5 stars perfect casting, great pathos and humor

[colleen1011 · 28 October 2011]

No matter your age, if Norman doesn't make you remember your own high school years it's time to pull out that old yearbook.

Mine were painful, though less so than his, and I laughed and cried with him along his journey from self disgust and boyhood to self respect and manhood. Never an easy task, Norman takes tough subjects and presents them with a strange combination of charm, dignity and sarcasm. Somehow it all works, and works beautifully. I'm not sure I've ever seen a more moving but tasteful, no cheap tricks, handling of love and loss. I highly recommend it to kids of all ages (17 and older of course given the R rating). And I'll be watching for more from this extremely talented creative team.

Also, I'll be seeing this one again...

colleen1011 AKA Colleen Shannon

such a crazy lie

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 October 2015]

Norman Long (Dan Byrd) is a dissatisfied high school kid. He lost his mother and his father Doug (Richard Jenkins) is dying from cancer. He falls for new student Emily Harris (Emily VanCamp) and she's taken with his awkwardness. His teacher Mr. Angelo (Adam Goldberg) is forcing him to do a speech. He has a fight with his best friend James and tells him a crazy lie. Soon everybody at school thinks he has cancer.

I like Dan Byrd as an awkward sarcastic teen and Emily VanCamp is super cute. They're a little old to play high school kids but they could still pass. I like their sweet cute relationship and then there is the lie. It's such a weird thing to say. I wish the script adds more of a prompt for Norman to go to that place. Maybe James should ask if he's sick. Maybe James could find the scans first. I just need him to be guided there a little more. The other problem is that he's lying to Emily. Emily already likes him before the lie. The lie doesn't make her like him more. It just makes everything awkward. It would make more sense that he would tell her the truth. Of course, Norman doesn't have to make sense.

Fantastic

[cnankive · 9/10 · 19 October 2010]

I recently saw this film at the Chicago International Film Festival and I was blown away by it. Dan Byrd did a fantastic job playing the title character who is both hilarious as well as heart breaking. Richard Jenkins, as always, is great and witty. This is just an all around wonderful film. I can liken it most to the adult male version of Juno or Easy A. It has Juno's wit, charm, and strangeness as well as Easy A's basic story line (though much darker). Andrew Birds score to this film is perfect. I don't think anyone could have made a more suitable score for this film. If it seems like I am gushing about this film, it's because I am. It deserves it. If it comes to a festival near you or is eventually widely released be sure to go and see it. I can't recommend it enough.

fantastically stupid

[sandcrab277 · 2/10 · 11 May 2018]

Schlocky over done awkward teenagers in school routine...that goldberg guy is terrible as a teacher and even worse as a person...the only redeeming value this film shows is the adorable emily vancamp...i'm sure she sparkles in everything she does...people that gave this film venture a high rating were either investors or related family...if the lead guy playing norman was funny, i didn't laugh for a good reason, he wasn't funny...

Go see 'Norman'

[dynastartroublemaker · 9/10 · 22 February 2011]

Director Jonathan Segal did an excellent job creating this film. I recently saw this at Whitworth, in Spokane, WA where the film was shot, and I really enjoyed it. Jonathan Segal was kind enough to do a question and answer bit at the showing, which was very insightful. I really liked how the film was a little 'darker' than others covering similar story lines. The movie really captures the raw feelings and emotions that are dealt in the story line. The actors did an incredible job in capturing each characters' persona. Dan Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard Jenkins, and Adam Goldberg were all great picks for their characters. I would highly recommend this film to others, especially if you liked Easy A and Juno. I also have to mention how Andrew Bird's score on this film was crazy good.

Simply Beautiful

[alyciasalteredego · 10/10 · 17 September 2013]

I recently watched NORMAN on my 'On Demand' network. Not knowing a thing about the film other than what was previewed on BrightHouse, I had no idea the impact this movie would have on my life. A beautiful tale of love, hope and over-coming life's strangest and dimmest oppressions. The acting, writing and direction was all perfection. Not to mention Andrew Bird's soundtrack to the film was so lovely. 'Night Sky' is now one of my 'most played songs' on my iPOD. I cried, I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed this film the entire way through. An unpredictable yet moving script that the writers should feel immensely proud of. I've told all of my friends and family about the movie since watching it, and can't wait to purchase it to watch over and over again.

Incredible...

[cuteedita · 10/10 · 27 April 2014]

Undoubtedly the most moving, realistic, and heartfelt film I have ever witnessed.

Beautiful acting, tremendous plot line, and a perfect ending. I laughed and cried with Norman throughout his entire journey and felt every moment of the film as though I were standing beside him.

All I can say is that this wasn't just a movie, it was an experience. I escaped my seat in front of my laptop and entered another realm. It was what every movie should aim to be.

Watch it. I assure you, you will be watching this one again, and again, and again....

A sad forlorn story that is really a must see

[Robert_duder · 8/10 · 12 April 2014]

Its tough being a movie lover because you really do have to sift through a sea of indie crap to find gems. I usually have high hopes when I see an indie film that reads well so I was very hopeful for this one. Simply put...wow. IMDb has this listed as a comedy/drama which is ludicrous. There is nothing comedic about this story. This is an incredibly sad, angsty, often depressing story about an emotionally turbulent teenager and the lie he tells that spirals out of control. It is truly well acted and touching tale that is well written and intriguing to watch. It is certainly a coming of age film and has a definitive dark edge to it. It won't be for everyone, I can't get over how dark some of this really is but they don't keep things permanently dark and there is some definitive redemption in the end which I thought was a relief but at the same time almost disappointed me. That seems ridiculous but a film that is so down seemed to wrap things up just a little too neatly. But this movie's flaws are few and far between. It is one of the best indie dramas I have seen in a very long time featuring three actors whom I enjoy a lot in their respective other roles.

Dan Byrd is mostly known to me in comedic roles (Cougar Town, Easy A) He has great comedic talent. Well this firmly proves he also has a lot of talent as a dramatic actor. He absolutely nails the title role and is brilliant in this sarcastic and biting part that will have your heart aching for him. He demonstrates anxiousness and teen angst like few I have seen before. Emily VanCamp is the object of his affections. I adore VanCamp on Revenge and she is very good in this role too. There is plenty of chatter about Byrd and VanCamp playing teenagers and it is noticeable to an extent but the story and characters are good enough that it didn't bother me for a second. VanCamp captures the sweet and pure girl next door image nearly to a fault. Her and Byrd have great chemistry and their relationship unfolds at the perfect pace. Richard Jenkins might be the show stealer in this film. Honestly, I would have applauded an Oscar nomination for him for this and I'm not joking. Jenkins is brilliant as Byrd's father riddled with terminal cancer. He is a supporting cast member and yet steals every scene he is in. The chemistry with him and Byrd as father and son is truly outstanding. Adam Goldberg and Billy Lush round out the main cast playing Byrd's teacher and best friend respectively. Lush was a little underwhelming in his role, almost a little campy, but Goldberg was terrific and a subtle but vital role in the film.

I'm not sure I would ever watch Norman again unless I was recommending it to someone which I would do in a heartbeat. Its not the type of film you put in for entertainment value. However, everyone should see this once. It is truly well made. Jonathan Segal does not have a lot of credits to his name but he is the exception to my own rule about directors and writers without experience. He has crafted a must see drama. Same for writer Talton Wingate, this is his only credit and I would love to see anything he chose to do in the future. This film has all the earmarks of a must see movie. The moral message is there, the teen angst, the excellent performances and story and some truly raw emotion behind it all. I would recommend anyone to have a comedy back up after this to unwind...it can be that intense but don't hesitate to watch this because you will be impressed by the sheer intelligence behind it. 8.5/10

Very nice story, high school senior and his dad dying of cancer.

[TxMike · 9 March 2014]

I found this one on Netflix streaming movies. I wanted to see it mainly for Emily Vancamp. Even though she was in an earlier TV series "Everwood", I never saw that show. My introduction to her was the more recent TV series "Revenge", quite different from the happy school girl she plays here. She is not only very attractive but also a really good actress.

Dan Byrd is the title character Norman Long. His mother had died in an auto accident a few years earlier, and now his dad was dying from some sort of cancer in his abdominal regions. He generally stays in the background at school but one day, in a fit of frustration tells his best friend he himself has cancer and only a few months to live. This soon spreads around school and Norman gets attention he never expected.

An important part of that was Emily VanCamp as new girl at school Emily Harris. Norman never expects the nice, pretty girls to be attracted to him, but Emily takes an instant liking towards him, BEFORE she hears the false news of his cancer.

His dad is played well by the always great Richard Jenkins as Doug Long. Also interesting is Adam Goldberg as Norman's English teacher Mr. Angelo.

So the story has several parts, Norman dealing with the imminent loss of his dad, his only remaining family, the newfound and unexpected attention of a really nice girl, and of course extricating himself from the big lie that went through his school and community.

My wife and I enjoyed the movie, and Emily Vancamp is just great.

SPOILERS: As Norman gets totally wrapped up in his lie, and Emily starts to grieve, his dad gets very sick as Emily goes to his house for the first time. They end up getting dad to the hospital but Norman's lie is exposed, and Emily is naturally upset. Norman in a pre-scheduled presentation at school tells everyone the truth, and as the movie ends his doorbell rings, it is Emily, she comes in and it seems she understands and is prepared to forgive him. Billy Lush Billy Lush ... James