
The Battle of Shaker Heights
2003, Drama, 1h 18m
59 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
LaBeouf is appealing, but The Battle of Shaker Heights feels too watered down and disjointed. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesThe Battle of Shaker Heights Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Kelly Ernswiler
Bart Bowland
Tabby
Lance
Eve
Sarah
Critic Reviews for The Battle of Shaker Heights
All Critics (59) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (36)
-
After the movie scored poorly at a test screening, Miramax vice president Rick Schwartz bullied directors Efram Potelle and Kyle Rankin into playing up the comedic elements and soft-pedaling the family drama.
April 6, 2010 | Full Review… -
The film is well-acted and looks good, but it's so inconsequential and bland that you wonder what was it about the script that made anyone think it would make an interesting movie.
October 3, 2003 | Rating: C- -
Cinematic mush.
October 3, 2003 | Rating: C- -
It's too much going on, but I think that as was the case with Stolen Summer, the actors rise above the material and make it worth seeing.
September 2, 2003 -
An inoffensive, if somewhat bedraggled, little movie.
August 29, 2003 | Rating: 2/4 -
It's simply an indie-film aping of Hollywood teen-mongering at its ultimate worst.
August 29, 2003
Audience Reviews for The Battle of Shaker Heights
-
Apr 27, 2015Pretty dumb, though kind of interesting. I like the military reenactment angle for a comedy, but they don't really use it to their advantage much to truly distinguish this film. The reenactment scene towards the end of the film is still pretty funny though.Stephen S Super Reviewer
-
Jul 09, 2011The Battle of Shaker Heights may be a simple movie, but it does that in the best way possible. It brings together a great cast of characters in this low-budget, loveable movie. The story of Kelly (Shia Labeouf) as an actor in war films, decides to takes his acting skills into real life situations. When he mixes his war-life with romance, things get complicated and friendships are lost. This is a harmless movie that people of all ages can enjoy, with a heart-warming story and a great life lesson, The Battle of Shaker Heights just barely makes itself a great memory, but I will definitely be revisiting it in time. Very solid teen flick that not too many people know much about...KJ P Super Reviewer
-
Jan 18, 2010For it being a very small indie with essentially no reason for people to go see it other than it won Project Greenlight, it is a great movie. Shia LaBeouf really did a great job and carried the movie with no trouble. The story was a little corny, but it still manages to be a fun coming-of-age movie.Conner R Super Reviewer
-
Aug 23, 2009Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Elden Henson, Amy Smart, Billy Kay, Kathleen Quinlan, William Sadler, Shiri Appleby, Ray Wise, Anson Mount Director: Efram Potelle, Kyle Rankin Summary: Teenaged Kelly (Shia LaBeouf) loves reenacting battles. When he befriends Bart (Elden Henson), also a war enthusiast, they decide to take on a school bully by using time-tested strategies. But their friendship is tested when Kelly falls for Bart's sister. Directors Kyle Rankin and Efram Potelle and screenwriter Erica Beeney are winners of Project Greenlight, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's moviemaking contest. My Thoughts: "It was funny and entertaining. Shia plays a kid who's mother is a painter and kinda a hippie.. His father is a recovering drug addict trying to better himself by helping those who are still addicts.. Shia's character is funny, smart, and angry. I think others would enjoy this movie. It was made before Shia got big.. I think it kinda reminded me of his Even Stevens character with all the smart come backs.. Liked Elden Henson in this movie too. Haven't really seen him in a lot of films."♥˩ƳИИ & Super Reviewer
The Battle of Shaker Heights Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified