"I am depressed" from protagonist Jim, especially after the introduction of Emile Hirsch's kitschy cool foil, was probably unnecessary and a bit much. Up to that point, the film uses what it has to build this well balanced psychology: the trauma experienced as a victim of bullying and the subsequent introversion (spoiler free Brother Yee called it from the trailer), which in and of itself can be embraced rather than be seen as a responsive crutch to the act of bullying itself. Roberts never loses sight of this though and rides this one out nicely, even if his character is, at times, overshadowed/muddied by Hirsch's gratuitous performance. Overall, if you're a fan of teenage angst, Gen Y self-conscious, self-depreciative dialogue, and a good eye for shots and rendering, then there's plenty to smile – and laugh with in Just Jim.
