School of Life (2005)

Purely Joyful Movie!

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

When I saved School of Life in my Amazon app I thought it looked like a nice little film to watch while doing some tedious work from home that takes little concentration. I've always been a Ryan Reynolds fan and was surprised I had not heard of this one. It turned out that I could give more than a few movies my full attention when I had some unexpected recuperating time. Today I grabbed my iPad and decided to check out some lighter fare, expecting little when I started to watch School of Life. Oh my gosh. What a fabulously inspirational surprise this turned out to be. Every actor perfectly cast, Reynolds as terrific as usual. (Take note of the actor playing the assembly honoree as the movie opens and a comment made by his grandson about 3/4 into the move.) School of Life could have been on the really dorky side, and I guess if you consider yourself a super sophisticated intellect, above anything a little goofy and completely heartwarming, this may not be for you. (I personally think it would be difficult to imagine that anyone who doesn't find this move absolutely charming is very interesting.) However, it does not fall into the excruciating-to-watch, groan-worthy moron category like more than enough movies today. It was a delight to watch from the very beginning. So many great lessons for students of all ages as well as those who teach in a classroom, at home or in the office. For example...we're all students and we're all teachers whether we realize it or not; appearances aren't always what they seem; most of us could stand to relax a little - try not to take ourselves so seriously; we should all remind ourselves and each other daily that life is short so just go for it and "take your shot"; everyone has some sort of insecurity or peculiar idiosyncrasy, dealing with life the best they know how; attitude affects outcome; and every type of message can be delivered with kindness. As a former HR professional I'd have no problem showing this movie at orientation and would encourage everyone young and old to see it. I don't understand how I managed not hearing about it for 10 years. Watch School of Life and I guarantee you'll lighten up.

This movie was special and not because Ryan Reynolds was in it (and believe me I have mad love for RR) but because it hit me in a way that very few movies have had the success of doing. I am not an emotional type but I absolutely broke down after the credits rolled. I don't know what caused it but I was enthralled into the movie the entire hour and 50 minutes. The greatest gift an actor can hear is that the audience believed the character and that somehow they made an impact in your life. Ryan did just that. He has vastly become one of my all time favorite actors. I absolutely can not get enough of this wonderful, gorgeous man. I loved the storyline, the mystery about Mr D and how he approached his teaching. It was great to see Mr. Warner change his tune when he found out that Mr. D had lung cancer. What I liked about the mystery is that it wasn't just thrown at us. Little hints here and there were through out the film. It was only when Mr. D reacted after seeing Mr. Warners class learning about the lung and its functions that we knew something was wrong. Ryan's reaction was dead on for that scene. I loved the kid and his utmost respect for Mr. D's tactics. I wish most teachers taught like that. I definitely recommend this film to anyone who wants to see inspiration, endearment and funny mixed in one.

Norman Warner (John Astin) was a stellar instructor for a school system in a small city. But, after winning "teacher of the year" awards for years, he suffered a heart attack and died. His son, Matt (David Paymer) is a teacher, also, and has aspirations of his own to be a stand-out, trophy-winning class leader. But, his style is very different from his dad's, more "by the book" and few students really like him, including his own teenage son who attends the school. Then, too, the place just got a fabulous new teacher, Mr. DeAngelo (Ryan Reynolds) who makes history instruction come alive with many creative techniques. It would appear that Mr. D has much better chance of winning accolades, thus ruining the Warner family's long line of awards. Can you spell competition? Then, too, although a lovely young female teacher has a crush on Mr. D, he discourages her advances beyond friendship. Are there more secrets to tumble out? This was truly another good entry into the genre of "school movies", such as Dangerous Minds, School of Rock and the like. Alternating between upbeat and sad themes, it has some good lessons to convey. The cast is nice, with Paymer and Reynolds doing fine work as the principal actors, although initially it seems RR is all wrong for the part. The rest of the players do a nice job as well. Aiding in the film's success, too, are the attractive setting, costumes, camera-work, script and direction. In short, do go "back to school" and make time to view this sweet little winner. It has some hidden values behind its lighter moments.

A understood something about me in this film.I cried a lot!!!It is really nice movie.I hope I'll make more less than 1000 mistakes)))Who will be interested,I am here http://love.bigmir.net/show/1591614/ Mr.D is the best!This actor is very very talented ,I have no words...I can't describe all my emotions.A+++ I need 10 lines )))Very pretty girls)))Also I was impressed by so sad end of film...I wasn't waiting for it.Everyone must see this movie,because may be It will give hope to some people.In my country this film wasn't popular,till i gave it to me friends.So I I am Proud of myself,oh,how it is difficult to write about this movie,because it is perfect...