Tru Confessions (TV Movie 2002) Poster

(2002 TV Movie)

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8/10
Absolutely Heartwarming and Charming, a TV Masterpiece
Cinaphile052110 February 2003
I admit it, movies about disabled people drive me absolutely crazy. While watching films such as "i am sam" or "Tru Confessions" I feel an overwhelming amount of sympathy for the disabled character. What makes these movies even more unbearable, is the discrimination these characters face in the real world. Now, as unbearable as they are to me, I feel I should note that these movies are priceless treasures. "Tru Confessions" Rates as one of the only 10 movies that has ever made me cry. Shia Labeouf plays the tender role of Eddie the disabled little brother of Tru, a girl trying to figure out her life in the middle of parents who won't listen or don't care and a little brother she is forced to defend and watch out for. This is a great example of powerful acting and a driving story. Shia, my man, excellent work. I haven't seen this kind of acting from a young man your age since...I can't remember. Clara Bryant, excellent work also.

Watch for this film. I think we all know Disney's replay reputation, I'm sure you'll run into it at some point.
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7/10
Great!!!
stanclimbfll2 April 2003
I really liked Shia LaBeouf in this movie--he protrayed a handicapped person very well. But Tru's attitude was a lot worse in the movie than in the book. She was a total jerk in the movie, but not as much in the book.

This movie was really touching, and I loved the part where Billy Meier fell in the lake!!!
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7/10
One of the best movies I have ever seen!
the_gelatinous_wolf19 June 2002
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen, if not THE best of all. I am 14, and my brother is very much like Eddie, although much younger. I think it is very important to get the word out about disabled people.

The plot is also very nice and well thought-out. It is very touching. I must admit that I cried through much of the movie. Shia LaBeouf (Eddie) does a WONDERFUL job of portraying a kid with Asperger's/High Functioning Autism.

A lot of my friends' favorite insult to call is "retard." Maybe after seeing this movie they will change their minds.

Rating: 10/10, without a doubt.
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Ten stars for Shia Labeouf's performance.
mack317529 May 2002
I mean he's not even Twenty yet, and he is already showing he's good at drama as well as comedy. He is like the next Robin Williams. You may know him best has the goofy oddball brother in Even Stevens. But in this film he plays Eddie, a teenager strugling with a mental disabilty, who tries to make the best out of things. He gave a real good performance. Clara Bryant also gave a good performance has Tru, Eddie's sweet but uptight sister. Mare Winningham is good has there patient mom. A sweet film for the whole family.
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10/10
Amazing Movie
MySilentReverie16 July 2002
I used to love the disney channel when i was younger but since I have reached my teens I have found the channel not to be that great until this movie came on. This has got to be the best disney channel movie I have ever seen. It was touching and it was realistic and it showed people what its like to live with a developmentally disabled person. It also showed how cruel people can be to people with disabilities. It was an amazing movie and I would recommend it to anyone. (Beware though because if you are anything like me you are going to cry.)
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9/10
wow...a Disney original with substance
papamac63024 October 2006
Disney is in the entertainment business, and the concept behind Disney original movies is just that- entertainment. But this movie is different...and the main reason is Shia LaBeouf. This kid, if guided the right way, has got a future and a half...the premise behind the movie could have been sickly sweet, but the actors did a great job of portraying the situation of a developmentally-challenged young adult(played superbly by Shia) and how it affected his family...the other subplots helped add to the movie's substance...subjects like peer pressure, parent/child conflict, even parental guilt, are dealt with in a realistic and meaningful way...and Shia's performance is nothing short of amazing...he creates Eddie Walker as a real-life person trying to make his way, with wonderment at times and frustrating behavior at others...this is a Disney original that should be out on video...so those who haven't seen it on TV can see it now...and, an added benefit, listen closely for the song played during Tru's video...it's "Secret World" by Robbyn Ragland...and it's great...it's nice to know that Disney is still capable of this kind of quality production...
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10/10
A magnificent film of tenderness and compassion!
THE--IrishDave5 October 2005
Clara Bryant plays Trudy Walker, a self-absorbed teen with a twin brother Eddie, who is mentally handicapped, likely a form of autism, though it wasn't discussed. Eddie, played by Shia LaBeouf (Even Stevens), is a very kind and tender young person who lives life very simply. His heart is full of love. Trudy struggles to be understood as the stressed-out teen that she is. Eddie's father struggles with his work as a brain surgeon and with his outrageous temper problem. The mother struggles with maintaining a healthy and balanced household, which is not easy with Tru going through her drama-queen years.

This is the most emotional movie dealing with the subject of the mentally handicapped that I've ever seen. As someone with a friend who has such disabilities, I can say that I never knew the half of what it really is like.

Should you ever be so blessed as to make a friend with autism or similar handicap, you will see that this movie speaks a lot to those closest to the autistic in so many special ways. It also opens your heart to new levels of tenderness and compassion, and your life will never be the same again. I give this movie 10 out of 10 stars.
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10/10
Movie with a purpose
andreachristine-0129614 October 2018
This movie isn't anything you see on Disney channel anymore, it had a meaningful story about a girl who faced struggles having a brother with autism, it showed vulnerability and real feelings. It showed her side of the story and how she felt her brother was a burden
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9/10
A Portrait of my Family
RakowskiDP11 April 2002
I'm still emotionally stunned in the wake of my first viewing of Disney's original movie, "Tru Confessions." Previous comments have praised Shia LaBeouf's outstanding performance as the developmentally-challenged Eddie. Equally compelling, though, was Clara Bryant's portrayal of Tru.

Tru's attitude toward the difficulties and embarrassments caused by Eddie are truly believable. When we're honest with ourselves, we would've most likely felt the same way at her age. Bryant's depiction teenage angst was as spot-on as I've ever seen in a movie of this genre.

This movie let loose a stream of emotion, as our family has been coming to terms with a developmental disability. Our 3 year old son Jacob was diagnosed with a form of autism in January 2002. We've been dealing with frustrations that are not unlike those experienced by the Walker family. Jacob's behavior is hard to explain, and often embarrassing. He also has a 2 year old sister, making this film hit even closer to home than expected. I can see our Lauren defending Jacob in much the same was as Tru, when she shoved her former crush into the river for having tormented Eddie. One couldn't help but cheer for Tru and her heroic defense of her defenseless brother.

If you have a family member afflicted with a developmental disorder, this film is a must-see. If you have family members that have a hard time coming to grips with a developmentally-disabled child in your home, direct them to "Tru Confessions." It will become a standard reference work for those wishing to understand our beautiful family.
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4/10
Not a Made for TV Masterpiece as some Film Historians Suggest
elect_michael16 January 2022
4 of 10 stars. This is a below average movie that is not a made for TV Masterpiece as some Film Historians suggest. Having said that, I want to be clear that a young Shia LaBeouf puts on a good performance in this Film. He was only a Sophomore in High School when this Film was released, and there are glimpses of what was to come, as far as his future performances are concerned, in this Film.

LaBeouf has often been a mess off the screen as we all know, but he's a very complex Actor; and many suggest that part of the reason he is able to peel the onion of the craft of Acting so deep on screen is because he's a mess off the screen, and there very well and likely may be some truth to that.

What would Film Historians consider to be the 10 best Films that LaBeouf has starred in to this point of his career? I believe if I asked 100 of the most respected Film Historians around the World, there would be different orders, but this would be their consensus; and they would consider the top 4 to be Masterpieces:

1. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) 2. Honey Boy (2019) 3. Tru Confessions (2002) 4. Fury (2014) 5. Pieces Of A Woman (2020) 6. American Honey (2016) 7. Borg Vs. McEnroe (2017) 8. A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) 9. Disturbia (2007) 10. Transformers (2007)

I disagree with that order, strongly; Tru Confessions and Transformers in Film Historians Top 10?!? Really?!? Not me, I don't think so. Who am I to disagree with Film Historians? But...here is my Top 10 Films starring Shia LaBeouf, and I consider the top 6 to be Masterpieces:

1. Honey Boy (2019) 2. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) 3. Fury (2014) 4. Borg Vs. McEnroe (2017) 5. American Honey (2016) 6. A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006) 7. The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005) 8. Pieces Of A Woman (2020) 9. Lawless (2012) 10. Constantine (2005)

Though LaBeouf puts on a good performance in this Film, and it's impressive since he was only 16 years old (amazing he's still only in his Mid-30s right now). But despite this, it is not a good Film. Mainly because it is Directed poorly, unevenly. And the starring role by Clara Bryant is simply weak. I'm not trying to be hard on her, but she simply wasn't on the level of depth as LaBeouf and the Films other Star, Mare Winningham. Speaking of, Winningham does good, as she almost always does, good performance.
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Disney, did you actually try on this one? GREAT JOB!
tgbryant8612 January 2003
Disney movies are always cute, but not good. I enjoy Disney, all the shows, especially Even Stevens. The Reason, Mr. Shia LaBeouf. On Even Stevens your trying desperately not to laugh, but when he hits the screen, you do. However, on Tru Confessions you don't laugh very much, there's more sadness coming from Mr. Shia LaBeouf. Disney really worked hard on this movie, and it shows! The movie is so believable, you'll wonder, "how does this kid stay in character?" So, do I recommend this movie? YES! It easily receives 8/10 stars.
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10/10
Watch it, and you won't regret it...unless you do...and Clara Bryant is GREAT in this.
MemnochZERO28 August 2003
I seriously saw this film by chance, and thank Hendrix i did. Actually, I don't watch Disney movies, and I probibly wouldn't have tuned in had I not remembered Clara Bryant was in it. I'm a fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Clara played a character named Molly this past season. I found not only the underdeveloped and underused character to be interesting, but more importantly, what Clara Bryant brought to it. She made the role so much better than it would've been if played by a weaker actor. Ok, so this comment thing isn't about Buffy, but it is about how great Clara is. Actually after seeing Tru Confessions, I've very upset Clara wasn't given a better part, because her acting really shows here, far more than on BTVS. For starters, she's the lead, which made this 90 minute movie really fun for me. I started watching it because she looked really hot, then I noticed her strong acting abilites. Once I noticed how natural she was delivering the lines, she ceased being Clara Bryant in a Disney movie, but BECAME Trudy Walker. I can't say that for a lot of actors in her age range, but she pulls it off so well. Story wise, it was very engaging. I mean, one thing, I never watch films like this, number two, if a movie isn't The Crow, La Bamba, or Edward Scissorhands, I don't cry. Now this movie didn't make me cry at the time...but it DID trigger alot of emotions in me, which I was surprised by. I got all emotional while explaining the plot to my mom. What's that about? I found Tru and Eddie's relationship in the film to be really..touching. Alright, i think I'm cutting it close here, coming close to 1000 words maybe. All I have to say is, if you haven't seen this movie, try to. It's entertaining at the very least, plus the story and acting are great, and the overall production of the movie doesn't reak of weak TV movie production. Oh yeah, and if anyone out there doubts Clara Bryant as an actor based on her less than stellar Cockny accent on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, watch this movie. There's no accent, but her acting comes through. I'd also like to say I want this thing on DVD at some point. Ok, I hope this rant here didn't ruin the movie for anyone, if it did, I'm sorry. Watch the movie. it's cool, and Clara Bryant rules.
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10/10
Wonderful
gramldea5 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love, love, love this movie! I have a brother 22 months younger than me with Static Ensaphalopothy and Sensory Prossesing Disorder, and this hit so close to home. I cried whenver Eddie didn't understand why the boys at the fair were mean to him and Tru had to stand up for him.

10/10 would recomend
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9/10
I rarely EVER cry during Movies
aloran20 October 2009
I remembered watching this movie as a kid. It was one of those movies that I could never forget. Watching it, I was utterly surprised by the kid from "Even Stevens" (Shia LaBeouf). He was such a goof ball in that show, and then I saw this, and Wham! His performance was so moving and heart wrenching, and amazing. This movie was so good. I just finished watching it again, I hadn't seen it since it first came out in 2002. Now, as an adult, I can understand the characters more. I wanted to just take the ignorant characters and sock them in the face for not realizing how dumb they really were. Most Disney films just scratch the surface of human stories and emotions. This gem of a movie went beyond what I would expect for a TV movie, let alone Disney.
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10/10
an outstanding, touching movie
llnoobll7 April 2002
I have always been a fan of Shia Labeouf,(Louis Stevens of Even Stevens) but this had me in shock of how talented he is. The movie is basically about how Tru Walker (Clara Bryant) is finding a way to cope with her brother, Eddie's condition and her partially dysfunctional family. The way the movie is made almost resembles the movie Requiem for a Dream, (hahaha) It is not only for children but also for adults. The acting is not always corny, but touching. All in all, i have to rate this a grade A movie
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10/10
A Tru-ly Wonderful Film
computerfreak65218 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
FIRST OF ALL - This is one of the better Disney Channel Original Movies and those who have not seen it yet, many will recommend you to tune in to the Disney Channel one night that it is showing, and please, do so.

*Contains Spoilers*

The story begins with Tru Walker, played by Clara Bryant, speaking about her obsession with her camera. She goes on, and later walks home with her friends. We, then, see at the door, Tru's twin brother, Eddie, played by Shia LaBeouf. We don't understand at first the reason of his behavior, and soon, we realize that Eddie is a mentally challenged boy.

The story deals with how a family cooperates having a mentally challenged child in the family. They have their ups and downs, but all in all, they are a very loving and caring family who will always look out for each other.

At various points in the film, people may seem to think that Tru's really determined to win a TV contest, and to get Billy Meyer (Yani Gellman) to notice her, and she would do anything to get it. But when Billy insults Eddie in the most horrible way, viewers realize that she does not care about if he notices her anymore, because nothing is a stronger bond than a twin brother. If anyone tried to break that, it would be all over for them.

It also makes people wonder about what Eddie, or people like Eddie, are really thinking. When Eddie tells Tru, "I want to be done being different. I want to be the same as everybody else." it make viewers think how he saw the world and how he fit into it.

Shia's performance in Tru Confessions really suprised many viewers. Who knew that Even Stevens' wild child, Louis Stevens, could move on to bigger, and more important acting roles? As said in the commercials, "Shia LaBeouf in his most dramatic role ever". People would never understand that statement until they watch this film.

Rating: 10/10 - Extraordinary. Best Disney Channel Original Movie since "The Color of Friendship".
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Finally a MEANINGFUL Disney movie!
sugarslushie0622 April 2003
Wow, oh my gosh, I cried! LaBeouf has gone dramatic and he does it well. He has proven in this that he can act anything. Hes dramatic in this, hilarious in Even Stevens and mysterious in Holes. But besides him, this movie shows that even people with special needs have feelings and that its not impossible to love them. I wish this movie were available to buy, but you can only rely on when Disney plays it. I'd reccomend this to people who have or have relatives with special needs, or just anyone at all. It also shows the injustice and sadness of how others make fun of special kids. Theres even a scene where some popular boys spit into the boy's hat and then give it to him. It makes me want to get up and stand up for the poor kid. Maybe this will make you think more of what they have to go through, and not just them, but their families. Tru seemed very loving toward her brother and even made a movie about him. My best friend has a brother with autism and hes one of the nicest people I know. So if you feel sorry for them, don't. The only reason you should feel sorry for them is if you can do something about it. But you can't here, so just smile and treat them with kindness. Thats what this movie taught me.
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10/10
great movie (jill)
denbrak22 April 2002
I think that Shia L. was great in this movie, and so was Clara B. I think this movie puts a spin on reality, but told a great message. I think this was different then most Disney movies, because its story line was more complex.
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10/10
A heart-warming film that will break your heart
PinkHottie6 April 2002
This movie had me bawling my eyes out one minute because I was sad, then the next I would be bawling because I was touched and happy. This is truly one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. Shia La Beouf gave a chilling performance; he is now my favorite actor and he is very promising. Awesome movie. (make sure you have a Kleenex handy).
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10/10
One Great Disney Movie
Jiffybix5 April 2002
Tru Confessions shows real emotion. Previous Disney movies can't compare (Zenon, Halloweentown). This real-life story is centered around a girl who makes a movie about her retarded brother, and how people around her react to her lifestyle. Has some pretty good acting in it too. I could really sense the emotion and thought in this movie. I highly recommend it to all.
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10/10
This was an excellent movie.
shelly1105_855 April 2002
This was an excellent movie. I think in making Tru Confessions, the film makers really captured the emotional impact one person can have on an entire community. Through out the emotional parts of the movie I cried. I know what it is like to have a family member with a "mental handicap". It can be very difficult. This movie really portrays the feelings one has. If you liked this movie, I recommend "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". It has the same impact.
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10/10
Wonderful film, I would use it as an educational supplement.
darcieruth5 May 2002
I found this film to be a very insightful, tasteful, educational and 'up-to-date' film and I think would be very useful for helping others understand people with disabilities. It must have been written by someone who really knows, it was so insightful!
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great movie that shows the tender love between brother and sister
Sunshine14clr26 December 2002
LaBeouf has gone dramatic! this movie is a change from his comedic role in the sitcom even stevens. i must give shia two thumbs up. he is a great actor. movies like this generally make me cry. i shed a little tear or two but not a lot. if you want some good drama and a good cry on the side, check this out. it'll teach you the importance of love and family. 8 stars out of 10. p.s. keep your tissues handy!
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10/10
An Emotional Story
Ashley_Critic5 April 2002
In the movie Tru Confessions, Tru learns to live with her developmental disabled brother Eddie. Tru enters a host your own tv show contest. Her winning show was about Eddie and Her and the difficulties they faced everyday. Like learning to deal with jerks that make fun of people a little different than they are. But in the end Everyone learns to love and respect Eddie as a person and not a freak.
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10/10
Wow is one great word to describe this movie...
starzmeg5 April 2002
I have seen many Disney Channel movies, but never have I seen one so real and so well done. First of all it is about a a girl and her twin brother, who is mentally disabled. I too have a family member like that and so I know what it is like to be around someone like that and to see what their life is like. I was so impressed with this movie, the casting was the best!! Shia is amazing! He portrays his character so well it is hard to remember he is not Eddie. It is a complete opposite person than Even Stevens and you can tell he has worked really hard for this movie. The mom and dad portray what "real" family life can be like. I have never seen movies that show actual things that my mom says to me or I say to her. It is a very well thought out movie and I rate it a ten. Disney Channel has never made a better movie, over-all it was amazing and wonderful. I was so impressed, and it was really moving. I think that everyone should watch it, hats off to the Disney Channel.
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