An Engaging Tribute to Good Teachers

rmarkgarrett

This movie was up for free viewing on Popcorn and I watched it because of Ryan Reynolds, but character actor David Paymer is the real star along with an outstanding supporting cast of child and adult actors. You rarely get to see David Paymer in a serious dramatic role, or even a sympathetic one, but there are no bad guys in this movie, which makes it a nice family film. This of course is Ryan Reynolds eight or nine years ago, a year or two at most after his success with National Lampoon's Van Wilder, a never graduating college student and party animal. So this turn as a committed and creative high school teacher Michael D'Angelo (Mr. D) is a 180 degree turn from the dissolute Van Wilder. Humor and pathos combine to make this an emotionally and engaging film that will make you remember what it was you liked best about your favorite teachers.

score 10/10

rmarkgarrett 25 June 2012

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2632934/