Standout: The Ben Kjar Story

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1:55

Standout: The Ben Kjar Story

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1h 39m

Documentary

Biography

Sports

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14 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Standout tells the inspiring story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warned that his life would be dominated by limitations, bullying and harsh scrutiny. Despite that prognosis, Ben yearned for an ordinary life free from judgment and harassment. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignited a fire within him. Wrestling became his proving ground, a place where he learned to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushed himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arose and ridicule resurfaced, Ben found himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a "normal" life, or fully embrace his difference and boldly stand out.

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Joel Copling

Spectrum Culture

1d

Christensen’s documentary isn’t an overwhelming experience in terms of its form, but the subject and story are enough to carry it.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

1d

3.0/4.0

Standout is a rich, engaging documentary that tells a meaningful story and tells it well.

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Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

3d

A nice family story as well as a sports story about how the family rallies around Ben

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Mark Dujsik

Mark Reviews Movies

5d

3/4

The framing of this story is, perhaps, it's most important element...

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Erik Childress

Movie Madness Podcast

Jan 16

3.5/4

The first half-hour of this documentary is enough of an arc for a classic Hollywood underdog tale. But there is no need for another movie since this one already accomplishes all the emotional beats that Ben’s story deserves.

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Edward Douglas

The Weekend Warrior (Substack)

Jan 16

9/10

An amazing and truly inspirational story -- I’d easily consider it as an early contender for best documentary of the year, because I cannot recommend it highly enough

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Kolt

1d

Standout is an incredibly moving and inspiring film packed with powerful life lessons for everyone— adults, teens, and kids alike. From start to finish, it reminds me of what it means to truly persevere, to be kind, and to choose to be a light even when life of painfully hard. The film bravely touches on real and relatable struggles such as bullying, not fitting in, health challenges, accomplishments, and family hardships. Bens journey is a powerful example of overcoming trails and obstacles through sheer perseverance, grit, and hard work. His story shows that adversity does not define you— your response to it does. I watched this movie and laughed and cried, then took my kids to it and laughed and cried again. One of the most touching parts of the film is their journey through infertility and repeated disappointments with trying to start a family. Their faith, patience, and hope are beautifully portrayed and the way God ultimately blessed them was powerful! Whether you personally— or someone you love— is struggling with bullying, health issues, family challenges, or simply wanting to rise above circumstances and come out stronger, this movie carries a message that will resonate. You will come out a better person! I absolutely loved this film. Its inspiring, emotional, and full of hope— everyone should watch it!

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JWS

1d

10/10 must see!!! Everyone needs to see this - kids, teens, and adults. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll walk away wanting to be a better person in more than one way. You'll truly be inspired. Such an amazing story!!

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Marcus Sorensen

2d

Great movie that inspires everyone to be the best form of themself

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Brenda

3d

It was an inspiring, vulnerable, relatable film that changed me. I want to standout and lift others.

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Richard D

3d

Inspiring story of strength from adversity.

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RC

1d

Inspiring, authentic story that makes everyone want to be a little more kind to others while dreaming big!

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Tanner Christensen

Director

Ben Kjar

Self

LaCol Grant

Self

Anthony Robles

Self

Alisia Abegg

Self

Aaliyah Booker

Self

Standout: The Ben Kjar Story: Trailer 1

1:55

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Synopsis

Standout tells the inspiring story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warned that his life would be dominated by limitations, bullying and harsh scrutiny. Despite that prognosis, Ben yearned for an ordinary life free from judgment and harassment. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignited a fire within him. Wrestling became his proving ground, a place where he learned to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushed himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arose and ridicule resurfaced, Ben found himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a "normal" life, or fully embrace his difference and boldly stand out.

Director: Tanner Christensen
Producer: Tanner Christensen, T.C. Christensen, Jared Hess
Screenwriter: Tanner Christensen
Distributor: Angel Studios / Tuckett Media
Production Co: Remember Films
Rating: PG (Some Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Sports
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 23, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 39m