The Fat Boy Chronicles

Based on Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan's YA novel, The Fat Boy Chronicles focuses on Jimmy Winterpock (Christopher Rivera), a 5' 5", 188-pound high school freshman who is self-conscious about his weight. As part of a literature class assignment, Jimmy keeps a journal, where he writes about both the people who make fun of him and his subsequent feelings, but he perseveres and finds two other students, Allen (Jacob Boyd) and Sable (Kelly Washington), who will eat lunch with him. On the advice of his doctor, Jimmy begins a weight-loss plan, encouraged by his gym teacher. Hanging out after school with his best friend, Paul (Chris Bert), Jimmy learns that Sable has been cutting herself, that Paul's home life is deteriorating, and that Robb (Cole Carson), the jock who's been bullying Jimmy, is failing math. Despite his personal problems, Jimmy isn't depressed (his grades are good, and his parents supportive); in fact, once he puts things into perspective, his situation improves. While some of the acting here is awkward—especially from Rivera and Washington—director Jason Winn's sympathy for his characters always shines through. A solid young adult film, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)