Goblins, Ghosts and Bullies, Oh My! – October's Double Whammy

October is the month devoted to spooks, goblins and ghosts.  It's the time of year when our fears are further triggered by big screen movies that joyfully frighten us out of our wits.  On Halloween while young adults are flocking to scary films, younger teens and tweens are trick and treating.

Perhaps it's not a coincidence that October is also National Bully Prevention Month. At one time or another almost everyone has had to deal with the living nightmares that invade our lives at school and at work.

The issue of bullying is up and out for discussion in the public square. You see it everywhere now.  And while many gritty, sad and heartbreaking stories and videos pepper the Internet and TV screens, a new family comedy movie was just released that can be a conversation starter.  'How to Beat a Bully' uses humor and a clever story to promote the message that "It's better to be buddies than bullies."  

The film 'How to Beat a Bully' revolves around a 12-year-old boy who moves to a new town and gets picked on by school bullies. In order to protect himself he uses his brain instead of his fist, and comes up with an idea that not only stops the bullies, but gets them to be his new BFFs. Along the way, there are humorous adventures, in which he gets his dad in trouble with some bad guys, who want to do more than bully him. 

The movie was awarded the Dove Seal of Approval for families, ages 12 and up, although younger children and adults will enjoy it, too. Educators and psychologists agree that humor can be a positive and effective way to connect with both children and adults on this serious subject.

Instead of a "Nightmare on Any Street" this October, it might make more sense to stream or download the family film, gather a few middle-school friends around the TV and enjoy this funny movie, along with a word or two about how to handle bullying situations.  It's available on Google Play and will soon be out on other platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and DVD.

The movie was produced by Dream Factory Entertainment and stars a talented cast of tweens and teens including Grant McLellan, Bryan Yoshi Brown, Kade Pait, Ian Tucker, Pearce Joza and Griffen Beebe. Eric Lauritzen and Elise Angell are the mom and dad, with Vince Donvito and Micah Lyons co-starring as comic bad guys.

'How to Beat a Bully' was directed by Doug Bilitch and produced by Sofia Monroe and Paul Rocha.  The movie was written by Marilyn Anderson & Richard Rossner. Executive Producers are Robert Dudelson, Stephen Langford, Marilyn Anderson, Jackeline Olivier and Wes Underwood, with a musical score by Emmy-Award winning composer, Misha Segal. The U.S. distributor is Indie Rights with foreign rights being handled by Blairwood Entertainment.

The popular band, REVERSE ORDER, that was a semi-finalist on America's Got Talent, contributed songs to the film. The band is doing a national tour of 150 schools with an anti-bullying concert and assembly.  

'How to Beat a Bully' Screenwriters Anderson & Rossner say they love making people laugh.  But they are happy that this film is also an opportunity to get the word out on the topic of bullying.

The family comedy 'How to Beat a Bully' won't solve the bullying problem, but it can be a starting off point for discussion and, for a change, give kids and parents some fun and laughs along the way. In this month of Trick or Treat, this little film can definitely be a treat.

Photos, interviews and other info available.

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