User Reviews

Social anxiety disorder was never heard of or spoken about, let alone being the subject of a film. This is an extremely well done movie about a man who is just afraid of everything and is being peer pressured into attending his 10 year re-union. Being the "IT" guy of school, loved by everyone, he can't fathom the thought of showing up in his eyes as the biggest failure. I would def recommend this really great indie.

A terrific independent drama film. I've often wondered about school reunions as many of us do and picture that wonderful moment we can celebrate all of our achievements since we left. We don't think about the reality, the pain and trials people have experienced in life, the fears and anxieties they have. This film depicts it perfectly and really left me quite profoundly pondering.

I found this film really engaging. The story was something that felt really fresh to me. Whether you watch tons of hollywood or indie movies it's hard to find stories that are relatable but at the same time something you haven't seen a million times. Hey Diddle Diddle has some really strong acting and touched on the expectations we set up for ourselves as humans. I highly recommend checking it out. I'm looking forward to seeing more from the filmmaking team.

There was a very nice build in the story. I like the production and performances were very developed. It is always interesting to see peoples take on social anxiety disorder and there was a very relatable way this story was told. Trying to impress others and always worried about others. Bravo!

Hey Diddle Diddle is an indie drama about a man named Maxwell Sweetwater who is dreading his high school's upcoming ten year reunion. Max was one of the most popular kids in school, but suffers from social anxiety disorder and worries that he will be judged for his limited accomplishments in the past ten years. Chester Jones III does a remarkable job not only as the lead actor, but also as one of the film's directors and producers. I found Max's character to be very relatable. Who doesn't have some level of anxiety these days? I actually just read a news article about how anxiety levels are rising around the world and particularly in the US over the last several years. So it is quite easy to empathize with Max as he worries about his ten year reunion, something that I'm sure many of us have also done. There's interesting lessons to be taken from the film as well, specifically that everyone has flaws and that they can be overcome. I'd highly recommend Hey Diddle Diddle to anyone looking for a relatable indie drama!

Excellent job by writer/director/producer/actor, Chester Jones III. He put his heart and soul into this and it shows. I loved the transformation of the main character, Max (Jones), and the fact that what he was looking for was always inside, he just had to discover it. I also think he can really stick out his stomach! Great characters with humor and dimension, great acting and directing. Highly recommend!

There's a lot of honesty and inward intensity baked into Hey Diddle Diddle, a film that explores the gap between who we once were and who we've become over the course of years.

A high school reunion serves as the setting here, where a young man once popular in his youthful heyday must now navigate the very real anxiety of not having lived up to the expectations of social norms. Director Chester Jones III also delivers big-time in the film's key role, and the supporting cast is no less vibrant throughout.

An introspective tale, Hey Diddle Diddle is the kind of story major studios should take aboard by virtue of its broad-based application: Anyone who has lived to see their first high school reunion either was this guy or has spotted him at the event. Yet for some reason, this specific tale has been left to the indie world to tell, and in Jones' extremely capable hands, it's now been told very well.

Hey Diddle Diddle was clearly written from the heart. It had a lot of deep thought and thought provoking moments. It tells a story of a man who everyone placed on a pedestal as a youngster. He was expected by all, including himself, to always be the popular achiever that he was. But as it is true so often in real life, it did not happen like that. So now, not only does he feel bad about himself, he feels the pressure and responsibility of not achieving those standards. It is a story well told and very relatable. Well shot too. I'd watch this again.

I enjoyed the premise, and definitely found it relatable as reunions can be a source of dread for a lot of us. The subject is treated with a lot of thought and compassion, and I particularly appreciated an exploration of social anxiety disorder was added to make for a more interesting premise. But the emotions sometimes feel contrived, and a lot of the supporting cast is two-dimensional...but fortunately the film is anchored in the lead character who gives a genuine performance that is relatable and compelling.

I wasn't an "it" person in school, but even I can relate to not wanting to go to my reunion. Chester Jones does holds his own in the lead role and makes you feel for his character, as he's pressured to come to terms with who he's become since graduating. The movie has a nice message, feel good ending and a solid soundtrack!

It's an indie with no superstars and no studio overlords...so it is real, fresh, and raw. Maybe not perfect but with that comes the gems of authenticity. I suspect someone wrote this that lived with intense social anxiety and the pains of perfectionism and ego. It has a love story and friend story and the challenges for those that don't suffer to understand those that do. And why not...right on!

As someone who suffered for years with chronic social anxiety disorder, I was very interested to watch this film. It was truly haunting to watch the main character's agonies and it took me right back to my own difficult past. A heartfelt film that's so emotionally affecting. Recommended.

Nice film. This was a surprise. I was not sure what to make of it but reviews pointed to a good film. And it was. It is a story of how we achieve or fail to live up to our own expectations. It of course involves reunions, but Director Chester Jones III does a great job of pulling it off without being trite or cheesy. Strong acting as well. If you have ever been to a reunion you can relate, and even if you have not you will enjoy this film. Worth a watch.

Hey Diddle Diddle was truly an indie gem. A film that takes a deep look into the challenges of social anxitey. Director Chester Jones III did a great job pulling out strong performanes from all of his actors. Also as the lead actor, he was effective in demontrating exactly how social anxiety can consume someone who was preparing to attend his high school reunion. The music, editing, and cinematograpy were all on point.

Facing a high-school reunion is a universally intimidating prospect. It brings significant reflection, particularly for those who believe their outcomes did not measure up to expectations. Add a prolonged bout with a social anxiety disorder, which by definition prevents those who suffer with it from reaching their full potential, and it is positively paralyzing. Fortunately, "Mad Max", the guy who was supposed to have it all, but whose life is now by every measure a distinct failure, has at least a couple good friends who have yet to give up on him.

"Hey, Diddle Diddle," a really heartwarming film about trying to live up to an image of who you once were. A high school reunion puts pressure on Maxwell to try to live up to other's expectations of him, and fear of social anxiety. We can all relate to this film at one time in our lives. What I loved about this film is the excellent lead and director whom I felt for the entire way. He did an excellent job directing this film and acting in it. I hope I see him in a lot more films. Director Chester Jones III is someone to look out for. A triple threat.

I must say to produce, direct and star in an independent movie and it turns out very good is an huge accomplishment. Great work ChesterJones. The movie was good quality with a meaning behind it. I have a friend with similar situation. In high school she was very outgoing and in her adult life she became a total different person not wanting to be around people and anxiety through the roof. This is a great film for people to see the way your mental ability can change over years. This is a must see film for everyone.