Measure of a Man

This coming-of-age dramedy doesn't reward viewers' good will. The slack pacing and lack of insight in the dialogue don't help, but the flat presentation of the main character is what really makes it hard to hold on to the story. Measure of a Man feels under-written. The stiff narration blocks often feel as if they've stopped short of the point. Bobby's journey isn't compelling because it takes so long for so little to happen. And Bobby often makes poor decisions and tells lies for no other reason -- apparently -- than to serve the story. He isn't very sympathetic because he doesn't really seem to want anything. Even when his best friend needs him most, he's not there for her; he only tries to reconnect with her when he's upset and needs something from her.

The movie seems meant to be a comedy, or at least a comedy-drama, but the only mildly amusing moment comes during an attempted bird funeral. There's a general lack of energy to the proceedings, and lack of genuine reaction in the lead performance. For instance, when he's being beaten and kidnapped, Bobby doesn't scream or struggle. And when he's supposed to have an epiphany, there's no indication that it has actually happened. Measure of a Man feels as misguided as this actual quote: "This is your second chance, Robert, and, like baseball batters, you do not get a third." But hitters do get a third chance; there are three strikes in baseball. This film feels like the umpire called Strike Two, and the batter trudged back to the dugout, defeated.