My Bodyguard

Clifford Peache is a laid back teen who finds his new high school ruled by a brutal bully who squeezes lunch money from classmates. When he refuses to pay, he teams up with an older misfit whose imposing presence unsettles teachers and students alike. The two strike an uneasy partnership that blends protection with a growing sense of trust, turning on the schoolyard tyrants in a bid for security and dignity. As their partnership deepens, what starts as a practical arrangement evolves into a real friendship grounded in shared loneliness and the stubborn hope that they can stand up to fear together. The story keeps its tone light with wit and warmth while never denying the ache of isolation that pushes them toward each other.

Directed by Tony Bill, My Bodyguard features Alan Ormsby credited as creator. The 1980 comedy drama pairs teen lead Chris Makepeace with an imposing protector in a story about unlikely protection and trust. The film features a supporting cast.

Worldwide box office revenue reached 22,482,952 dollars, a respectable return for a small, character driven 1980s drama that found its audience among teens and parents seeking warmth with humor. It benefited from a modest release and strong word of mouth.

Reviewers framed the film as a thoughtful blend of humor and heart with a clear focus on friendship, power dynamics, and the ache of feeling different. The two leads drive a steady arc about loyalty that deepens as they confront danger together, without preaching or cheap shortcuts, without losing balance.

Among fans it is remembered as an early turn for Matt Dillon and a snapshot of late 70s early 80s teen cinema that treats bullies and outsiders with nuance rather than caricature, offering a quieter alternative to louder hits of the era and influencing later friendship stories.