Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool!

Plot synopsis:
Be Somebody touched upon about a dozen key points:
Shyness - A young actress asserts herself by using her temper.
Roots - Mr. T says "Ya can't know where you're going if ya don't know where you're from" and explains the symbolism of his gold chains.
Anger - Mr. T tells kids to use their anger, not lose it, but fails to fully employ this when a fly continues to bother him.
Frustration - Throughout the video, Mr. T tries to play the cello, eventually succeeding.
Styling - Mr. T encourages youngsters to dress up and express themselves.
Peer pressure - A group of kids on a pier take beer and cigarettes from the garbage, while nearby, Mr. T shakes his head and New Edition sings a song disdaining peer pressure.
Recouping - When a kid trips on the sidewalk, "Dr. T" shows how one can preserve their dignity after an "absoludicrous" mistake by playing it off as a break dance move.
Creating - A group of teenagers breakdance and encourage Mr. T to try some moves.
Treat Your Mother Right - Mr. T sings Treat Your Mother Right, a segment that was widely circulated on the Internet in 2005 and 2006.
Workout - Mr. T encourages lazy kids at a bus stop to use a boom box as a free weight and balance a bag of popcorn on their heads.
I Am Somebody/Rapping - Mr. T raps "I Am Somebody", as well as offering a few guidelines of rap.
Friendship - Mr. T gives his definition of "friendship", while a girl sings a song about it.
Mr. T's Tale - Mr. T tells his version of Romeo and Juliet and gives a pro-reading message.
Daydreaming - Mr. T explains how having dreams and goals contributes to success.

Tags: cult

Review:
I have to say that because I am a real fan of this movie, I read through all the comments on it here, just because I am really curious to see what people think of it.
Most of the people I've showed it to (and believe me, this tape saw some heavy action during college years at St. John's in Santa Fe; some of you out there may vaguely remember something like that) have really enjoyed it.
A lot of people, like myself, seem to be drawn to it as if by some kind of strange drug, so that when it is showing somewhere we will manage to wander in and see it.
It's a truly great cult movie with a very small cult -- mostly because it's very hard to find copies of this film on video at present.
Someday there'll come along an 80s retro period strong enough to bring this film back into distribution, and on that day -- may the forces of the disrespecting, momma-hating, punks fear because Mr. T will be back to teach them how to behave.
I won't go through all the advice that Mr. T gives in this film -- suffice it to say that Mr. T shows us how to use our anger and imagination to our own advantage and how to make it look like we mean to do everything we do and are always in control, even when we're confused or making horrible mistakes.
Reading his autobiography (which was obviously written by Mr. T himself; if you don't believe me pick it up) which came out about the same time as this film has convinced me that he is sincere.
He truly lives his life by the words he says and by what he shows in this movie, and if you and I follow it we will all be powerful, independent, individuals and probably rich ones too.
We'll ALL  "BE SOMEBODY"This is not a bad film.
Although all agree that this movie is hysterically funny and not to be missed, I am compelled to defend it from the implication that it's one of those "So-bad-it's-good" movies, a la Showgirls or the one where Rupert Everett gets Madonna pregnant.
When the video started rolling, I was really ready to make fun of Mr. T, to suggest he was on drugs when he filmed this, or that he had to make it to pay off gambling debts, but this movie is truly good, good lessons, good feelings, good attitudes, good fun.
I only hope that more people find out about it so it can get the recognition it deserves, and so that more people (especially kids) will be exposed to Mr. T's lessons of self-esteem, his perpetually hopeful spirit and his silly sense of humor..
This piece gives us an in-depth look into the philosophy and psyche of this modern-day thinker and performer, Mr. T.
We see a man of great vunerability trying to gain acceptance with his gold.
"Hey you, you with the teeth"...any film beginning with the incomparable Mr. T addressing you in such a way can safely be deemed a classic.
Parents, there is no doubt that you want your children to grow up to be somebody.
Do them the ultimate favor, show them that you truly love them, and watch this video together as a family.
Next to Caddyshack, the Blues Brothers, Animal House, and most of the early stuff from John Hughes, this might be the most comedically entertaining films to date.
The one thing that sets this cinematic masterpiece apart from the group mentioned above, is, that for the most part, "Be Somebody, Or Be Somebody's Fool" wasn't created to be intentionally funny...
The scenes are perfect, the quotes are memorable, and the acting isn't that great, but that didn't really bother me, since I was laughing to hard to notice.
Randy showed up with this video and said that we had to watch it.
What better name for the band than "Mr. T's Be Somebody Or Be Somebody's Fool"?
So there it was, we learned all the songs from the movie, and went for it.
We even had matching t-shirts made with the movie's poster on the front.Those were some good times, inspired by a life changing film.Thanks Mr. T!
I guess there's more money in filthy mouthed, mother hating, thugs than a man who wants to help, educate and make the world a better place.However the other comments are a bit in error, there's plenty of places to find this gem online, you just have to look around a fair bit.I guess this tape is long since out of reproduction and if they ever figured out who owns the rights I doubt if they'd care if there was a market for a DVD release, but it is out there!
Teaches little kids that in order to be somebody, you have to learn how to break dance, wear absoludicrous clothing, make up stories about your hair, and above all respect your mother (all while avoiding peer pressure, and walking through the surf in all your clothes).Mr. T did not make this movie to help little kids.
He strips down to red hot pants and works out.Another example, Mr. T trys to play the cello.
T CANNOT SIT IN A CHAIR.Mr. T also offers kids advice, such as: Use anger, don't loose it!
respect your mother, and if you trip while skipping down the street and you happen to be wearing a jumpsuit, just breakdance, you won't look like an idiot then....The best part is the Styling part (pronounced stylin).
Here the kids give a fashion show, but Mr. T tells them that Calvin Klein wouldn't wear clothes with your name on them so you shouldn't wear his name on your clothes, or something like that.
He comes up with some great ones like "Xena and Zena are dressed up for that exciting walk to the grocery store" and "In her mustard socks and ketchup sash, she's a real hot dog"  I am not making this up.This segment single-handedly made 80's fashion so awful.
The best part of the segment is Jeff who is about 25 years old, wearing a plaid shirt, suspenders, and pegged jeans who dances around like he's doing a cross between ballet and epilleptic seizures.
If you ever watched the A-Team, you'd see his character repeatedly clobbered in the head with lead pipes and he wouldn't flinch; but he also tried to branch out into a strange kind of motivational programming for children, even inspiring a tasteless breakfast cereal.
"Be Somebody, or be Somebody's Fool" is one of Mr. T's bizarre efforts to teach little kids how to be better people.
If you can find this tape, it's worth watching just to see how bad children's programming can get.
Plus, the hilariously bad rap songs may inspire you to donate something to the "Blacks Without Soul" fund..
If you're looking to play Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Home Game, this is your film.
You have constructed a work of genius that can be treasured be afficianados of film and children alike.
There are a thousand things I could say about this film.
This video teaches values and will show the young'ns the right way towards life.
Through many song and dance routines, Mr. T enhances the way of living for all that watch.
Of course it isn't entertaining in the way it was meant to be, but its definately great to watch!
Tato Chip!" Then you have the great scene where the kids find a full, unopened beer, AND a pack of cigarettes, in the trash can!
Then the kids of course sip on the beer and smoke the cigarettes, and try to talk the only "smart" kid into doing it, while Mr. T is off to the side shaking his head, apparently only seen by the one kid.
Then enters the line of black guys singing "peer pressure!" Oh and I cant forget the scene where Mr. T gets mad at a fly and slaps his hand into the potato salad, then into his own face, covering himself in potato salad.
There is a part where Mr. T talks about being yourself, and not worrying about brand names, cause they are stupid and meaningless, just wear what clothes you like!
Mr T ain't nobody's fool, he IS somebody learn from his chaises.
this is the best movie of all time.
this is the best movie of all time.
Trat you mother right song is funny.
teaches kids the importance of being honest, dealing with anger, and of course, the art of RAP.
It's bad, but it's funny and makes a few good points.
T tells you to treat your mother right, workout, daydream, and whole bunch of other things that make sense.
This is a truly inspirational video that brings Mr.T's collective talents to the small screen.
In this video Mr.T raps, dances, sings, and acts, all using his classic T-style.
He teaches you to respect other people, whether they are male, female, black, white, or your mother.
Mr.T also inspires all, young and old, to get up off of their behinds and start working out.
After watching this video I now have the motivation and the drive to get my own icecream sandwich on hot days, instead of asking my mother to get me one.
I have a strange feeling that his 1984 film, "Be Somebody" will have an affect on the future like Bill and Ted's "Be Excellent to each other" statement.
This film is utterly the best thing ever committed to celluloid.
6. Mr.T can play the cello.This film is worth twice it's weight in gold and diamonds.I'd be remiss if I didn't say, "I pity the fool who don't buy this tape.".
For those who still regards David Lynch as of one the greatest masters of surrealism in film, this video is gonna blow your head.
(you can't get better than this).From the opening song (just listen Mr T singing the chorus), to the last song (a hilarious rap song), Mr T gives you some bizarre tips for severe problems as anger, peer pressure, shyness and the like.
What is more, all these situations become more and more surreal due to the erratic behavior of the host (the scene with the cello is creepy), who tries to show himself as a sensitive guy by not being sensitive at all(amazing huh?).Don't get me wrong, this is not just another 80's fest with bubblegum pop songs, break-dance moves, colorful clothes.
On the contrary, this is an instructional video with bizarre situations, surreal dialogues, deep messages, forgotten glories from the past (New Edition), and of course, a guy named Mr T.
not really, but as you could've seen in his TV show "I pity the fool", his energetic character struck like lightning into the pitiful situations where the families in that show sank into a long time ago.
! He's so overwhelmingly serious at "educating" those children, you wont doubt it for a minute, that he does it totally honestly.So, despite it's a B video, give Mr T.
a chance, I'm sure you'll like it.
I pity the fool who doesn't like this.
It's seem like a parody out of a SNL TV Funhouse live action skit, but this was indeed a real life 1980's motivation video hosted by Mr. T.
He can't really act, dance and or sing as its shows in this film.
Mr. T is famous solely for his insane crazy personality, so I guess the true meaning to this video is to stand out even if it makes you look like a fool.
The movie focus on message help kids out.
It seems like they are sending the wrong message in some of the sequences.
Then the movie has a scene where a kid gag spring snakes his mother and scare her senseless.
In the break dancing scene, stiffly moves his arms around for a while, before he finally gives up and just flexes his bicep.
There is a lot of this, even in the styling sequence, calling a young woman, 'hot ice cream'.
Who put this into a kid's movie?
Another good example of bad advice is the Shyness sequence that has a young girl asserts herself by using her temper.
One scene look like they would tackle a serious issue like street gangs, and it end up talking about reading.
The Asian girls look like cheap Chinese hookers.
Then there is one that looks like a hot dog to the point that even Mr. T agrees.
I don't think Mr. T is the best advice for what looks nice in the 1980 fashion sense.
Most of the movie, he wearing awful camouflage boot camp-style or in his shiny speedos, which I don't want to see, either.
The movie use new wave and R&B culture of the mid-1980s to appeal to children, but it rarely works.
I love the opening song, 'Be Somebody', and love 'Peer Pressure' from New Edition.
The break dancing sequence is just out of place.
I guess, the next time, I ever do something completely humiliating, I should just turn it into a break dancing move so I can make myself look like a fool even more.
Great one liners like Hey, you!
Watch this movie if you want a laugh.
An educational film on the values of individuality, respect, and break-dancing - hosted by Mr. T.
This Saturday-morning style freak-show is possibly the most bizarre and entertaining film I've ever seen.Mr. T talks to a bunch of kids about commendable topics but in such a way as to make absolutely every situation completely laughable.
There is far too much ridiculosity to even begin to mention here - suffice it to say, if you are in the mood for something that will have you on the floor laughing, while still learning something (sarcasm...), then this one's for you.It's sad that Mr. T hasn't gotten too much work lately, BE SOMEBODY definitely showcases his unique "talents".
I didn't honestly think that something geared towards kids could be this entertaining, but it is.
The nostalgia value alone is worth the price of admission for this one, especially for anyone who was a kid in the early 80s.
and of course, i'll try to find my personal rap...Truly terrible, but so much so that it is excellent..
A video like this probably wouldn't be made these days, but what a trip back.
This tape features Mr. T attempting to breakdance, New Edition on peer pressure, Mr. T's video for the pseudo-electro-rap song "Treat Your Mother Right", ghostwriting by Ice T and two appearances of the word "absoludicrous"."Be Somebody.." is pretty tough to track down, and was originally referred to me by someone who bought their copy from a video store (where no one else rented it).
They just don't make videos like this anymore!.
This is a classic kid's educational video starring the one and only Mr T.The whole premise of BSoBSF is that Mr T (or Doctor T or Coach T, depending on which hilarious persona he is at the time) teaches the viewer about things such as respect, friendship, and daydreaming (?).Mr T carries this thing, and that is what makes this funny.
Ever want to see T smear egg salad on his face, or attempt to do the robot, or smile and take pictures of kids in slacks while talking about his 'cool style'?
And Stacy Ferguson, aka Fergie, is supposedly in this, but I couldn't pick her out.Other highlights include T being completely owned by a 8 year old kid in dancing, not saying words correctly when acting as a teacher, doing crouches while balancing popcorn on his head, the whole Style segment of the most hideous 80's style ever put together, T badly singing a song about respect your mother, a terrible Jackson 5 impersonator, and a fat kid who can't do rudimentary things like go down a slide correctly, or do a jumping jack.Basically, the whole thing is a hoot if you enjoy really corny and bad edutainment films, or like Mr T (ie everyone).8/10.
A majority of these well-meaning, but moronic life lessons are set to either sickeningly sappy pop slop tunes or hideously bad rap songs that are further enhanced by eager beaver teens cutting loose something stupid with all these cheesy, spastic, herky-jerky break dancing moves!
Mr. T himself barks choice rap music verses in a fierce, husky, guttural growl that's anything but melodious and comes across like an arrogant, egocentric, unbearably self-important and self-centered jerk (highly revealing narcissistic verse: "If you want to be cool/Just like me/Ya gotta try real hard to be somebody").
I don't think so, man.Broken up into various segments, Mr. T gives advice on assorted pertinent subjects by grunting lots of stale, obvious, hackneyed folksy platitudes; said topics include roots ("Ya can't know where ya going if ya don't know where ya from," the all-wise Mr. T sagely remarks, explaining that all the gold chains he wears symbolize the shackles put on his slave ancestors when they first came to America!), style ("Clothes express your personality, so express yourself, not someone else," Mr.
Other hysterically dopey highlights are: a gust-busting "Just say no" evil dope section on peer pressure in which a bunch of stoners try to force a reluctant fat boy to partake in the debauched pleasures of swilling beer and smoking weed, Mr. T coming down real forceful on talking trash about anyone's mother ("Mother, I'll always love her," Mr. T tunelessly wails while an off-key chorus of dowdy moms supply crummy background harmonies), an especially mawkish passage concerning friendship (deathless hokey aphorism: "Friendship is like a clear day; you look forward to it"), and Mr. T making a gaggle of lazy kids engage in an impromptu curbside workout session by having 'em bench press a boom box and balance a bag of popcorn on their heads while bending their knees!