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Struck by Lightning

  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
6.2/10
15K
YOUR RATING
Chris Colfer in Struck by Lightning (2012)
After being struck and killed by lightning, a young man recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.
Play trailer2:16
2 Videos
99+ Photos
ComedyDrama

A high schooler recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.A high schooler recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.A high schooler recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.

  • Director
    • Brian Dannelly
  • Writer
    • Chris Colfer
  • Stars
    • Chris Colfer
    • Rebel Wilson
    • Christina Hendricks
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.2/10
    15K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Brian Dannelly
    • Writer
      • Chris Colfer
    • Stars
      • Chris Colfer
      • Rebel Wilson
      • Christina Hendricks
    • 53User reviews
    • 60Critic reviews
    • 41Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win total

    Videos2

    Theatrical Version
    Trailer 2:16
    Theatrical Version
    Struck By Lightning: Cheer Float
    Clip 0:45
    Struck By Lightning: Cheer Float
    Struck By Lightning: Cheer Float
    Clip 0:45
    Struck By Lightning: Cheer Float

    Photos129

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    + 123
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    Top cast50

    Edit
    Chris Colfer
    Chris Colfer
    • Carson Phillips
    Rebel Wilson
    Rebel Wilson
    • Malerie Baggs
    Christina Hendricks
    Christina Hendricks
    • April
    Dermot Mulroney
    Dermot Mulroney
    • Neal Phillips
    Allison Janney
    Allison Janney
    • Sheryl Phillips
    Scott Bailey
    Scott Bailey
    • Officer Murray
    Donna Ann Ward
    • Officer #2
    • (as DonnaAnn Ward)
    Amy Nabors
    • Reporter
    Benjamin Byram
    • Singer #1
    Jonathan Byram
    Jonathan Byram
    • Singer #2
    Frank Noel
    • Pastor
    Luke Lewis
    • Youngest Carson
    Jenny Herrick
    • First Grade Teacher
    Polly Bergen
    Polly Bergen
    • Grandma
    Adam Kolkin
    Adam Kolkin
    • Young Carson
    Jay Malone
    • Algebra Teacher
    Roberto Aguire
    Roberto Aguire
    • Emilio
    Kyle Burch
    • Riley
    • Director
      • Brian Dannelly
    • Writer
      • Chris Colfer
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews53

    6.215.2K
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    Featured reviews

    10hsmboy72

    Colfer definitely outdid himself

    Struck By Lightning was perfect on all levels, I can't believe how much I related to Carson; he is definitely one of my new favourite fictional characters ever. As an aspiring author myself, this film was so inspiring for me in terms of writing, it's really made me want to get out there and achieve my goals and not end up in a terrible life that I don't like. This film, although with the unrealistic storyline, was still so realistic on so many levels and I think this will remain a lifelong favourite of mine. Chris is so talented on so many levels.

    I cannot wait for this to be released on DVD in this country so I can keep it forever.

    As a big fan of his television show, Glee, I immediately fell in love with Chris and his character there. I also, as well as Kurt Hummel, identify myself with Carson so much. I am so glad that I saw this film.
    Gordon-11

    A disappointment

    This film tells the story of a young man in high school, who has set his sight at a certain university to do a specific programming. On order to increase his chances of getting in, he has to use everything he knows of to get people to contribute essays for his newly created literary magazine.

    The plot may sound fun and interesting, but it turns out to be not as funny as I expected it to be. The plot is plainly delivered, without dramatic moments or laugh out loud moments. Not even Rebel Wilson can make it funny! The only saving grace is Alison Janney, who is good as a single mother destroyed by a failed marriage. Maybe "Struck By Lightning" relies on dark humour, but it's not dramatic or engaging enough to work
    8bigbookwrm1

    Insightful movie that addresses that High School is temporary

    It is not a flawless film by any means, but few are. However it does address something that few movies about high school do; which is the dichotomy between students who live in the moment and think those years are the end all and be all, and those who see it as a finite time to get through for the longer (and hopefully better) future.

    The main character's tragedy (among many) is not his ultimate fate but in that in seeking to get though the school years and not enjoying them (or what little there is to find happiness in) misses it, by being focused solely by getting out.

    In contrast the other teenage characters (Rebel Wilson's being an exception) have blinders on; in terms of both acceptance of other people and of the existence of the larger world and that they will have to enter it and so forth.

    Are there clichés? Yes, but high school students are much the same everywhere so that is an issue of reality and life and not the limitations of the screenwriter.

    Are the scenes between Carson and the adults more compelling? Of course, but that is because adults by definition have more life experience (good and bad) to make them more intriguing.

    Ultimately, the movie's flaws are minor compared to the whole. It is smart, dead on in observation (especially in regards to the parental and authority figures interaction with Carson and family dynamics), and the casting is brilliant, with one exception.

    That would be Dylan McDermotte. Who, besides their mothers, can tell him apart from Dermut Mulroney?
    7cheungloksze

    shocked when I found out this is written by Chris Colfer

    I had no expectation at all when I started the movie, all I knew was Kurt Hummel (I am a gleek!) played it. The movie is not excellent, but it won't make you fast forward it. The story is clever and inspiring. I love how I can see the different side from Chris Colfer can be (As I am a gleek, easy to make comparison.) Without the fancy clothes of Kurt, fierce diva mode-off Chris actually can leak out his acting talent, something we can't see often.

    At last, the roller came up, written by Chris, I can't believe it, and had second thought, no wonder the plot and the attitude release a sense of freshness. I just love Chris more , not only his voice anymore.
    8claire_smyth

    Not your average Teen movie

    This film wasn't what I was expecting - but still enjoyed it.

    A warning - don't expect it to be like Glee, it won't leave you feeling uplifted at the end. Having seen the trailer and Rebel Wilson, I assumed this was going to be a comedy, but its actually quite tragic and sad - there are few laughs though.

    It actually reminds me of the film 'Orange County' (with Colin Hanks and Jack Black). Carson like Hank's character is trying to escape his difficult family circumstances and go to college and then on to a successful career. Orange County is a little more light hearted though.

    Its a good effort by Chris Colfer and out of all the Glee cast I can see him being the most successful. He could be another Ryan Murphy in the making - only nice.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Rebel Wilson was cast the day before filming began. Casting director, Michael V. Nicolo, had a dream about her in the role of Malerie and she came in to audition the next day.
    • Goofs
      The modifications of the "Literary magazine submissions" box change when Malerie and Carson speak.
    • Quotes

      Carson Phillips: Because a life without meaning, without drive, without focus, without goals or dreams isn't a life worth living. Life comes at you fast. It runs through your body and tries to escape and be expressed in any way possible. In a way, it's a lot like... lightning.

    • Connections
      Referenced in Conan: What Happens in Vegas Is Typically Pretty Sad (2011)
    • Soundtracks
      It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday
      Written by Freddie Perren and Christine Yarian (ASCAP)

      Published by Jobete Co Music Inc.

      Performed by the Byram Brothers

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    FAQ20

    • How long is Struck by Lightning?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 11, 2013 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Mexico
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Que me Parta un Rayo
    • Filming locations
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Permut Presentations
      • Camellia Entertainment
      • Evil Media Empire
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $28,378
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $12,940
      • Jan 13, 2013
    • Gross worldwide
      • $28,378
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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