User reviews

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.)

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is an amazing movie. It should have gone straight to theaters. It is a lovely movie about autism that more people should see. This is one of Shia Labeouf's greatest acting roles.

You must see it. 10/10.

When a local TV station puts on a filming contest, teenager Tru Walker (Clara Bryant) is in on it in a heartbeat. Her life seems too full of drama to document - including a surgeon father who is never there and a mother, Ginny (Mare Winningham), who seems not to be there even when she is. In the end, Tru opts to make a movie about his mentally handicapped twin brother, Eddie (Shia LaBeouf). But as airtime approaches, Tru fears how others will react to her very personal story.

The film is based on the first novel by children's author Janet Tashjian which was written in the format of a diary entered into a computer and uses lists and illustrations, the film is super cute, has a beautiful soundtrack, which packs our tears with this cute and dramatic script, the scenes between the brothers and the family, the difficulties they face and the prejudiced look of society, all so painfully real, a realistic fiction, a lesson in love and inclusion...

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.

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.

This is a great movie. This movie touched my heart beyond any thing I ever new! It is such a beautiful story.It really touched me and I am usually a stone cold hearted child! If you agree just feel free to email me.

This movie is truly what I can call "remarkable". It's the first Disney movie that touched me to the soul. It is about a boy named Eddie, played by Shia Labeouf), and a girl named Tru. They are both twins, but Eddie didnt get enough oxygen while being given birth. This developed into a problem in which caused Eddie to have a disorder. He is mentally challenged, and Shia did a great job at performing this role. It really is hard to fit in if you are mentally challenged because of peer pressure, crude remarks, etc. It is good to see someone state this fact. This Disney movie deserves either an 8 or a 9. It is truly remarkable, especially Shia. I strongly suggest anyone who watches Disney movies now and then, to watch this one, you wont regret it.

Tru Confessions is a beautiful story. The story focuses on a dysfunctional family. The 2 main characters are Eddie(Shia) and his twin sister Trudy. Trudy is a brainy computer girl, and Eddie is a mentally-challenged boy. The movie shows us the reality of a family with a mentally-challenged person in that family. The characters are well-developed and the actions of the people around Eddie are so real. Shia made me cry about 10 different times...that's how emotional this movie was. Trudy always acts very hateful to her mother, and that kind of bothered me because that's how my little sister acts towards my mother. She's always yelling at her and getting annoyed at the littlest thing her mother says. But, that's how real this movie was. Also, the dad is a doctor and so he never has time to be with his family, especially Eddie. For example, in the movie, Eddie spills milk all over the dad and he gets so furious that he makes Eddie cry. In reality, that's how some people react to someone like that. Anyways, great movie. It'll make anyone cry at least once, especially the part where Eddie gets lost in the 5 story library. 10/10 definitely.

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).

I had to let you know how fantastic "Tru Confessions" was. I don't have anyone in my family with special needs, but when I saw the promos for the show I made sure to see it. I was practically riveted from the start. Shia LaBeouf and Clara Bryant were amazing. I'm not the type to become emotional about shows, but I was choked up about the love, frustration, and the myriad of emotions that these two characters had to deal with. The writers, producers, directors, and actors all deserve recognition for creating such a powerful and emotionally moving movie. I sincerely hope they are considered for Emmy's or at least Ace Awards. It is well deserved.

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!

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!

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.