This is another entry into the education section of the cinematic library, but it is a worthy addition. The young, ensemble cast does an excellent job with Alan Bennett's screenplay based upon his own play. The story does find some new angles to address in this tired genre. It doesn't all fit in with my taste and moves forward too slowly, but it is original and very well written with some excellent dialogue (including a particular strong scene where a couple of the boys compare teenage groping with their girlfriends to military action) and features superior performances throughout.
Stephen Campbell Moore is Mr. Irwin, the brash new teacher with original ideas thrust into a class of gifted, but spirited, British school boys looking for positions at prestigious British colleges. Irwin helps the group to see history in a different light and they help him to see some things about himself, as well. Richard Griffiths, best known as Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter series, gives a strong performance as the boys' literature teacher.
This is a quality project, but moves a little too slowly for me to give it a strong recommendation. It is best compared with past releases such as Dead Poets' Society and Mona Lisa Smile, so if these two features appealed to you, then this may be a good Friday night movie choice.
(This work was first posted on realmoviereview.com)
Stephen Campbell Moore is Mr. Irwin, the brash new teacher with original ideas thrust into a class of gifted, but spirited, British school boys looking for positions at prestigious British colleges. Irwin helps the group to see history in a different light and they help him to see some things about himself, as well. Richard Griffiths, best known as Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter series, gives a strong performance as the boys' literature teacher.
This is a quality project, but moves a little too slowly for me to give it a strong recommendation. It is best compared with past releases such as Dead Poets' Society and Mona Lisa Smile, so if these two features appealed to you, then this may be a good Friday night movie choice.
(This work was first posted on realmoviereview.com)