Ryan Reynolds goes "PG" rated and the results are an OK family flick. This film is certainly no "Van Wilder". I believe the fans of his more outrageous movies will probably be disappointed. David Paymer carries the film as the at first combative, and later understanding rival teacher. "School of Life" is definitely a message movie, clearly defining what interests the students, and what does not. Of course Ryan Reynolds methods are a reality stretch, but the point is made. As a heartwarming tale this only marginally succeeds, because everything is telegraphed, such as the final basketball game. It is what it is, plain vanilla fluff. - MERK
52 Reviews
pretty decent family movie(with a couple minor swears)
disdressed129 July 2007
this isn't too bad a movie.yes it can get preachy but it never really crosses the line into sap and drivel.it's mostly a family friendly movie with few minor swears.at first it feels quite light and fluffy,but if you stick with it,there are some deeper things going on here.David Paymer and Ryan Reynolds are the two bigger names in this movie,but it is Kate Vernon who really impressed me.as a matter of fact,i didn't recognize her while watching the movie.i only saw her name as the end credits rolled. before this had only seen her in very dark movies dealing with violent crimes.anyway,i did like this movie.it has a message,but it doesn't beat you over the head too much with it.also the movie is really touching at times,but in a good way.the acting is also good.i give "School of Life" 7/10
Go back to school and view this honor roll-type flick soon!
inkblot1114 July 2010
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.
i love this
noodlepie542 March 2005
i saw this film by accident a few months ago, honestly only bothered watching it for Ryan Reynolds but now i love it, its so amazing, laugh out loud funny and heart breakingly sad without being mushy. And the kids in it are fantastic, i love the boy who tap dances in the basketball game, he cracks me up.
I would recommend this to any Ryan Reynolds fan, he's an outstanding actor and an incredibly gifted comedian, and so gorgeous looking!!
This film is full of great performances and likable characters and if it doesn't make you tear up just little then you have no soul!(only joking.but really, its sad)
I would recommend this to any Ryan Reynolds fan, he's an outstanding actor and an incredibly gifted comedian, and so gorgeous looking!!
This film is full of great performances and likable characters and if it doesn't make you tear up just little then you have no soul!(only joking.but really, its sad)
Surprisingly Good!
toparchive28 November 2017
I was a bit shocked to find out this was a made-for-TV movie! With that said, the movie had it's cheesy moments like most TV-movies do.
Plot: 8.5/10 Writing: 6/10 Acting: 7/10 Film/Editing: 7/10
Overall I feel like the acting wasn't bad - it's the cheesy script that they had to deal with.. I think they did the best job they could do with the script at hand. The movie is intended for 8-15 demographic, with parental supervision. If you're a 25 year old looking for a movie with laughs, you'll probably rate this movie lower. As a 30 year old parent of 3 toddlers, I gave the movie more applause. They hit on a lot of great life lessons and points, and it's a tear jerker for kids 8-12. If I were to rate the movie based on it's genre alone, I'd give it an 8.5/10, but comparing it to every movie ever made, I'd give it a 7/10, and that's probably a bit generous.
Plot: 8.5/10 Writing: 6/10 Acting: 7/10 Film/Editing: 7/10
Overall I feel like the acting wasn't bad - it's the cheesy script that they had to deal with.. I think they did the best job they could do with the script at hand. The movie is intended for 8-15 demographic, with parental supervision. If you're a 25 year old looking for a movie with laughs, you'll probably rate this movie lower. As a 30 year old parent of 3 toddlers, I gave the movie more applause. They hit on a lot of great life lessons and points, and it's a tear jerker for kids 8-12. If I were to rate the movie based on it's genre alone, I'd give it an 8.5/10, but comparing it to every movie ever made, I'd give it a 7/10, and that's probably a bit generous.
Good, but could have been great
SirEnrique21 January 2006
This movie has a good story, about what I think is an important subject. A subject most people can relate to. Everyone had or has teachers that they couldn't stand and teachers that they liked. And I would like to have a teacher like the one Ryan Reynolds is portraying. Although this movie could have been much more, it didn't move me the way it could have done. Some of the kids doesn't act that well, the same thing goes for David Paymer. It looks like he has troubles expressing his feelings sometimes. Reynolds on the other hand is great as teacher, Mr D. You really get the impression that this is a man that loves his job. It was a good movie, worth seeing - but it could have been great.
Background error
burman373 May 2021
weak after school special
SnoopyStyle17 November 2013
Norman Warner (John Astin) is a long time winner of Teacher of the Year award from the students. When he dies on the podium, he tells his son and fellow teacher Matt (David Paymer) to take his shot. A new teacher Mr D (Ryan Reynolds) comes in and quickly is the most popular. Matt has to battle the newbie for Teacher of the Year.
David Paymer is too small for the lead role. He doesn't have the energy or the fun to drive this movie. Andrew Robb who plays the kid is little better. Ryan Reynolds is certainly his charismatic self.
It's more serious than funny. I can't imagine anybody rooting for Matt. He is frustratingly small. The style is low budget weak and without excitement. The good thing is there's a lesson here that hits you over the head.
David Paymer is too small for the lead role. He doesn't have the energy or the fun to drive this movie. Andrew Robb who plays the kid is little better. Ryan Reynolds is certainly his charismatic self.
It's more serious than funny. I can't imagine anybody rooting for Matt. He is frustratingly small. The style is low budget weak and without excitement. The good thing is there's a lesson here that hits you over the head.
Excellent Movie
Jnn798320 February 2005
This movie shows people that first impressions are not always correct. At the beginning Mr. Matt Warner thought that Mr.D. had it all looks, charm, and everyone everywhere seem to love him. After he found out a secret about Mr. D. he realized that a person who takes the time to care for others even when they have their own problems is truly special. This movie is heartwarming and loving. Some people said the movie was not good, I respect their opinions. I however, could not wait to see this movie. If this movie ever comes out on video or DVD I will be buying it. The movie just showed how the human spirit can inspire people and u can find inspiration in people u would not think of finding it in.
Has touchy moments but nothing special
Floated211 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Now this is a TV made movie and the quality reflects it. Having no expectations but knowing something quite what to expect. It is a typical children's family (more so mature) film.
Centered around a middle school boy dealing with the typical teen problems (school, crushing on a classmate). And a new younger, hip teacher coming into their school where competition arrives with him (Ryan Reynolds) and the father of said boy- Matt Warner (David Paymer)
Ryan Reynolds is obviously the highlight and perhaps many people's reasons for watching. His humor is relatively the same here as it is now, though this is PG so it's obviously watered down. He still shows the same mannerisms, same expressions and sarcastic type of tone within in his dialogue and speaking.
As a film there are several moments of cringe that is expected dealing with a middle school film (coming from the child actors) then also some inspirational and touching moments (towards the end).
There is a strong switch on tone towards the second act (around the time we find out about Mr. D's secret). The film changes from a typical harmless school comedy into a depressing and touching drama. The little "twist" wasn't completely predictable but given how we later find out, it doesn't come as much of a surprise.
For one, Matt Warner was relatively a bad person- jealous of Mr. D that he snooped his way into making it a competition (where Mr. D always showed nothing but respect). Where one night he breaks into the school (which seemed relatively easy- how did he get the keys to the school entrance?), and breaking into Mr. D's classroom (also aren't the doors locked?) then finding his gradebook which showed his private information.
Then from there, Matt one night following Mr. D everywhere including a hospital where he ultimately finds out about Mr. D's secret. His character came across as a complete jealous and lunatic. While even with Mr. D knowing that he was being stalked he didn't tell the school principals or faculty (which he could have done to get Matt fired) but he was always kind.
Then of course, as Matt Warner discovered the secret (Mr. D's cancer- giving him not much time left to live), his entire tone towards and about Mr. D changed- becoming more nicer in general and everything. This is where the movie becomes much more about his character. It's obvious the writers gave this "cancer twist" subplot to give this movie more of an edge and keep it rather intriguing (and it did work).
Another thing which made this movie have that TV movie feel, is the character teen of Dylan Warner narrating the story. At first it was okay but it continued throughout the entire film.
Overall, compared to other family TV movies it may be better than expected but as a whole, it isn't anything special. It is somewhat of a feel good movie but at the same time rather sad and depressing. Quite realistic in a way. The title of "School of Life" does make a lot of sense when we think of. Certainly made for a one time watch.
Centered around a middle school boy dealing with the typical teen problems (school, crushing on a classmate). And a new younger, hip teacher coming into their school where competition arrives with him (Ryan Reynolds) and the father of said boy- Matt Warner (David Paymer)
Ryan Reynolds is obviously the highlight and perhaps many people's reasons for watching. His humor is relatively the same here as it is now, though this is PG so it's obviously watered down. He still shows the same mannerisms, same expressions and sarcastic type of tone within in his dialogue and speaking.
As a film there are several moments of cringe that is expected dealing with a middle school film (coming from the child actors) then also some inspirational and touching moments (towards the end).
There is a strong switch on tone towards the second act (around the time we find out about Mr. D's secret). The film changes from a typical harmless school comedy into a depressing and touching drama. The little "twist" wasn't completely predictable but given how we later find out, it doesn't come as much of a surprise.
For one, Matt Warner was relatively a bad person- jealous of Mr. D that he snooped his way into making it a competition (where Mr. D always showed nothing but respect). Where one night he breaks into the school (which seemed relatively easy- how did he get the keys to the school entrance?), and breaking into Mr. D's classroom (also aren't the doors locked?) then finding his gradebook which showed his private information.
Then from there, Matt one night following Mr. D everywhere including a hospital where he ultimately finds out about Mr. D's secret. His character came across as a complete jealous and lunatic. While even with Mr. D knowing that he was being stalked he didn't tell the school principals or faculty (which he could have done to get Matt fired) but he was always kind.
Then of course, as Matt Warner discovered the secret (Mr. D's cancer- giving him not much time left to live), his entire tone towards and about Mr. D changed- becoming more nicer in general and everything. This is where the movie becomes much more about his character. It's obvious the writers gave this "cancer twist" subplot to give this movie more of an edge and keep it rather intriguing (and it did work).
Another thing which made this movie have that TV movie feel, is the character teen of Dylan Warner narrating the story. At first it was okay but it continued throughout the entire film.
Overall, compared to other family TV movies it may be better than expected but as a whole, it isn't anything special. It is somewhat of a feel good movie but at the same time rather sad and depressing. Quite realistic in a way. The title of "School of Life" does make a lot of sense when we think of. Certainly made for a one time watch.
Ryan Reynolds - A+
torky_marie19 July 2005
I love this movie. I think Ryan Reynolds is one of the funniest actors ever. He has great wit and sarcasm. I would love to have a teacher like him! This movie was different than I thought it would be. The previews made me wanna see it really bad and so I watched it expecting something and I got that but also more. It kinda shows you that students aren't the only ones worried about their reputation or how they compare to other people. You kinda get to see that teachers can get jealous of each other too. There's a lot of movies about school and what happens but this is one of the best ones. I laughed, I cried, I watched it a million times!
Feel Good Elements with so-so plot
stagewriter7 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has a lot going for it. Good performers. Shot pretty well. You certainly can't fault the film for not having its heart in the right place.
However, all of the dots don't really connect. Without spoiling too much, I'll just say that there were some very 'Beaches' elements to this... pulling the heart strings in a very manipulative fashion.
Not much surprising in the plot... other than twists that just didn't make all that much sense.
David Paymer and Ryan Reynolds both try their hardest... but they really have to work HARD to get this movie to work. John Astin has a nice cameo and young Andrew Robb also provides a steady presence as the narrator and main character.
Basically, there's a lot of cheap and/or easy plot devices in this story and none of them are really supported very well by the plot. Dying father, awkward kid, embarrassing Dad, teacher-too-cool-for-his-own-good, even down to throwing in a baby at the end of the story.
If you're in the mood for a school flick or something of the same flavor in terms of cool-guy authority figure inspires geek - 1984's "Teachers" or Bill Murray's "Meatballs". Neither one of those is perfect, but they certainly exhibit better storytelling than this.
However, all of the dots don't really connect. Without spoiling too much, I'll just say that there were some very 'Beaches' elements to this... pulling the heart strings in a very manipulative fashion.
Not much surprising in the plot... other than twists that just didn't make all that much sense.
David Paymer and Ryan Reynolds both try their hardest... but they really have to work HARD to get this movie to work. John Astin has a nice cameo and young Andrew Robb also provides a steady presence as the narrator and main character.
Basically, there's a lot of cheap and/or easy plot devices in this story and none of them are really supported very well by the plot. Dying father, awkward kid, embarrassing Dad, teacher-too-cool-for-his-own-good, even down to throwing in a baby at the end of the story.
If you're in the mood for a school flick or something of the same flavor in terms of cool-guy authority figure inspires geek - 1984's "Teachers" or Bill Murray's "Meatballs". Neither one of those is perfect, but they certainly exhibit better storytelling than this.
this is an awesome family movie!!!!!!!!
forever_your_girl16 February 2006
"The School of Life" Starring Ryan Reynolds, David Paymer, Andrew Robb, Leila Johnson, and Shylo Sharity. A small-town history teacher with a different approach to teaching raises the suspicion of a stuffy biology teacher who's looking to win the "Teacher of the Year" award. Hip teacher Mr. D (Reynolds) doesn't just teach history, he lives it. His passion for the subject catches on with the students in his class, who think they're in for another boring year. Though the kids and the faculty all love Mr. D, biology teacher Matt Warner (Paymer) views the new teacher as another roadblock in his path to take the "Teacher of the Year" prize. The son of wildly popular educator Stormin' Norman, a man who had achieved the feat of winning the top teacher award for 43 years in a row -- Matt Warner is desperate to prove his worth as a teacher by following in his fathers footsteps. When Warner learns a secret about Mr. D that could bring the newly arrived teacher down and place Warner in just the right position to take the Teacher of the Year title, the entire town of Fallbrook learns an important lesson that can't be taught in a textbook. This movie has a good combination of funny dialog, great dramatic acting from the cast and moments that keep you guessing.
After-School Average aka School Sucks
dvdragonfly15 June 2006
Sheesh! What a pile! I cant even fathom how some commentators are giving this 'film' full marks. Cutesy, schmaltzy rubbish. Admittedly Ryan Reynolds has been OK in the past with a kind of teen-movie physical comedy, but this drivel (seemingly an attempt at a serious role) leaves me wondering how people get the funds to make these type of films. Textbook crap on a stick. Go and watch Stand & Deliver. There's some crap with a bit of grit at least. My lord, this is awful. It's like a Frankenstein's monster of the worst 'unconventional teacher turns school system on its head' films (of which there are many.) You can almost hear the pages of the scriptwriting manuals turning and the yawns of the extras. The kids are talentless and unlikeable and I found myself not really caring how it turned out. And for those who disagree with my statements about the clichéd nature of this...thing, about 1 hour and 45 minutes in when he walks through the door of the gym in a shaft of white light? Come on! A joke. The money was better spent on cocaine. I'd rather watch 'Female Trouble' again.
Not enough. That's how much time we have--not enough
spikesbuffybot0221 February 2005
I have to admit that the reason I wanted to catch this movie was just because Ryan Reynolds was in it...but after seeing it I was just blown away. He was great, as usual, and the story itself was very moving. I'm not a crier at all...but this movie had me in tears, yet at the same time Reynolds had some of the funniest lines so it was a great mix of both. It's a movie for the whole family, and it'll really have a lasting affect on anyone who sees it...I know it did on me. I've seen it 12 times in a 3 day span and have yet to grow sick of it. School of Life is definitely one of the best films I've seen in a long time and I hope they release it on DVD because I just might wear a hole in my VHS ^_^
Want to watch Ryan Reynolds destroy a family?
mrmurray-0259022 April 2019
Surprisingly good, the jokes hit and it actually is believable for a random 90s movie. My main problem, as with most rom_coms is that the hero(or Villan,i can't decide which one Mr d is) straight up destroyed a marriage.
Brilliant,Powerful and Reynolds is Great (spoilers)
julienewton617 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Ryan Reynolds stars as the new teacher at a high school filling in for a history teacher who dies (his son teaches biology, his son goes to school there)but the teacher who died has won teacher of the year for the past 44 years and his son wants to keep the award in the family but Ryan Reynolds looks to change that as everyone loves him.
This is a hilarious film with some very sad scenes with Reynolds at the hospital being treated for incurable lung cancer and Reynolds last scene is very moving.
The best film I have scene in ages will make you laugh and cry Reynolds best acting ever. 10/10
This is a hilarious film with some very sad scenes with Reynolds at the hospital being treated for incurable lung cancer and Reynolds last scene is very moving.
The best film I have scene in ages will make you laugh and cry Reynolds best acting ever. 10/10
A movie about psycho obsession
esdarslan22 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This is the most disturbingly horrifying movie I've ever watched...scarier than Paranormal Activity...Americans might call it a sweet, feel good movie, I call it a film about a disgustingly creepy male teachers worrying psycho stalker obsession with latent homosexual undertones about another male teacher...only good thing about it is the hotness and sexiness of Ryan Reynolds... A school teacher becomes obsessively hatefully competitive with the character of Ryan Reynolds so much so that he shakes and twitches at the mere mention of his name, stalks him, does everything in his power to jeopardise his career and then in the end he decides that in fact he adores this guy, so much so that it could be called an equally obsessive and unhealthy fixation on him, to the point where he imitates his behaviour and teaching techniques and tries to sound like him...scarier than Paranormal Activity cos you know, obsessive psychopaths like that really exist...disturbing, horrifying and awful...I can't believe Americans think this is a sweet movie...
this film is spectacular
hunniebunnie65628 March 2005
i thought the film was brilliant some bits were sad and some funny. its fun to watch and i enjoyed it. Ryan Reynolds looks great in it and thats 1 reason why i watched the film but unfortunately he is engaged to Alanis Morissette DAMN IT never mind i can still like him. the film is moving and I'm sure most of you who have seen it would agree family entertainment be sure to watch it. if you have seen the film I'm sure you would agree its spectacular and Ryan Reynolds is fantastic in it as the cool teacher, and he looks absolutely gorgeous. the film is about two teachers who are competing for teacher of the year award, its a mixed film from comedy to sad i enjoyed it very much i have only seen it twice but i might buy the DVD if it comes out on DVD that is. people make sure you watch it will have a great effect on you. and it might effect on what you do. so how much time do you have not a lot
Terrible
eclarini28 August 2017
I sat through this movie because my wife wanted to watch it. She liked it? I thought it had an OK message for kids under 10. But for adults; terrible acting, silly plot, painful to watch to the end. I would rather have caught up on my sleep or been happier doing my taxes. Enough said.
A very likable film that deserves much more recognition than it got
Juni78ukr7 October 2005
School of Life (stupidly renamed on Russian into The Teacher of The Year) is a very likable and enjoyable film. It's funny and heartfelt film but at the same time it's much more than typical high-school set movie, much more intelligent than everyone could expect. Despite the film couldn't avoid some clichés and at parts it become a bit predictable that's a case when we simply don't care about such possible minor flaws in the film and just enjoy it.
The center of the story is an ordinary school in a small town when its legendary teacher Stormin' Norman Warner, who won the teacher of the year forty three years in a row, dies and new teacher, an incredibly cool and attractive person Michael D'Angelo (excellent performance by Ryan Reynolds), comes to the school. But what's the most important he share and deliver his coolness with everybody and ordinary boring life in this school takes some changes. The only man who is not delighted with Michael's appearance is Matt Warner (another one very good performance by David Paymer), the son of the legendary teacher, whose dearest ambition is to keep on a family tradition of winning best teacher award. The way of characters behavior as well as their transformation is very believable to me. Ryan Reynolds and David Paymer are very good in the lead while all the kids actors are awesome. Also the film is well shot, has a remarkable soundtrack with very suitable songs and contains lots of very impressive scenes: some of them are really funny while the others are heartfelt and inspiring. It is just the film that such kind of film's supposed to be: very enjoyable film that at the same time manages to carry strong and intelligent messages in a very good way. As some people here before I can only add that I wish to had such a teachers during my school days (I know it's kinda stupid but that's all I can say). Very good film indeed.
9 out of 10
The center of the story is an ordinary school in a small town when its legendary teacher Stormin' Norman Warner, who won the teacher of the year forty three years in a row, dies and new teacher, an incredibly cool and attractive person Michael D'Angelo (excellent performance by Ryan Reynolds), comes to the school. But what's the most important he share and deliver his coolness with everybody and ordinary boring life in this school takes some changes. The only man who is not delighted with Michael's appearance is Matt Warner (another one very good performance by David Paymer), the son of the legendary teacher, whose dearest ambition is to keep on a family tradition of winning best teacher award. The way of characters behavior as well as their transformation is very believable to me. Ryan Reynolds and David Paymer are very good in the lead while all the kids actors are awesome. Also the film is well shot, has a remarkable soundtrack with very suitable songs and contains lots of very impressive scenes: some of them are really funny while the others are heartfelt and inspiring. It is just the film that such kind of film's supposed to be: very enjoyable film that at the same time manages to carry strong and intelligent messages in a very good way. As some people here before I can only add that I wish to had such a teachers during my school days (I know it's kinda stupid but that's all I can say). Very good film indeed.
9 out of 10
It has its moments
vincentlynch-moonoi14 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Every time I think about a film that it "has its moments", I realize that the film I'm talking about isn't really very good. And from a former earth science teacher, vice-principal, and principal...I'll tell you that from an educational standpoint, this is not a good film. It's alright if you're one of the light subject teachers (like art), but if you're a content teacher, this film gets it all wrong in terms of what works in schools. I was a reasonably popular teacher and educator, but I never saw a teacher as adored as "Mr. D" that really taught his/her subect with any depth at all. Dressing up an Indian doesn't teach about the Indian wars or the history of the American Indian. And by the way, to show a flashy pop teacher, they have him jumping all over the place in terms of historical ears and events. But teaching is just lecturing, either. And the unpopular teacher here (at least for much of the film) is actually the better teacher.
In terms of acting, the actor here that really deserves the credit is David Paymer, one of our finest character actors. Coming in second here is a young Ryan Reynolds. Both do fine, but Paymer shines.
The overall plot gets way too silly way too often. A teacher waking up in school in his pajamas? A teacher dressing in homeless clothing and stealing a look at a hospital chart? Really...juvenile stuff.
What's interesting about these reviews is most who wrote a review rate it highly, but most who just rated it, rated it quite low. Not sure what that tells us.
If you want to see something more serious about education, try "The Emperor's Club" starring Kevin Kline. In terms of "School Of life", it's okay if you like fluff.
In terms of acting, the actor here that really deserves the credit is David Paymer, one of our finest character actors. Coming in second here is a young Ryan Reynolds. Both do fine, but Paymer shines.
The overall plot gets way too silly way too often. A teacher waking up in school in his pajamas? A teacher dressing in homeless clothing and stealing a look at a hospital chart? Really...juvenile stuff.
What's interesting about these reviews is most who wrote a review rate it highly, but most who just rated it, rated it quite low. Not sure what that tells us.
If you want to see something more serious about education, try "The Emperor's Club" starring Kevin Kline. In terms of "School Of life", it's okay if you like fluff.
Surprisely Good Movie
ws_ling21 February 2005
Caught this show on cable one night while channel surfing. So my wife and I settled down to watch the show. I expected the usual feel-good family drama as the show as on Disney channel. However we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the show. Yes it is feel-good show, but the story was funny and touching at the same time. Ryan Reynold's acting was good although some of his lines made me cringe. Plot was a bit predictable but still this was one show that did not have to use sex, violence or foul language to keep you entertained for an hour and a half. I would recommend to my not yet teenager son to watch when it comes around on TV again. After seeing this show I wished I had a teacher like that during my school days. I can only hope my children would meet such a teacher who can inspire them so much.
Could've been better
departed0728 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
When I saw the preview on ABC family for "School of Life" I said to myself, 'this is going to be great entertainment.' But after I saw the film, I was left disappointed. The whole plot is about a new hip teacher named Michael D' Angelo(Ryan Reynolds) who transfers to the new high school where people see him as an idol, where he tells people to call him Mr. D., but along the way there is a problem with science teacher Matt Warner(David Paymer)as he loses his father, a high school professor who's won many teacher's award, feels nowhere with his kid against him because he's not as 'hip' as Mr. D. and that he and Mr. D. are nominated for teacher of the year award where Warner feels that his new rival will win. That's what the preview gave us, a competition for the better teacher, but the set back is when Mr. Warner gives a presentation about the lungs and it is reminded that Mr. D. has problems with his lung and we realize later that he has cancer and he dies, giving hope and courage to Warner and those around him. I am reminded of another school movie with a slick teacher, and that is "School of Rock" with Jack Black. I suggest people see "School of Rock" instead.
You'd never know it was made for TV...
arwen-g27 April 2006
I stumbled across this film on cable and started watching it because I'm a fan of Ryan Reynolds. I kept watching it because it was surprisingly funny, thought-provoking and touching.
The story begins with the death of "Stormin' Norman", the legendary history teacher and grandfather of the main character, Dylan. His father also teaches at the school, and the competition for teacher of the year formerly held by Stormin' Norman gets ugly when the new history teacher, Mr "D" (Reynolds) is an instant hit with the entire school.
It manages to be inspirational without teetering into schmaltzy, well-written and brilliantly cast. School of Life is about realising that life is shorter than you think, and "it takes less than death to kill a man".
The story begins with the death of "Stormin' Norman", the legendary history teacher and grandfather of the main character, Dylan. His father also teaches at the school, and the competition for teacher of the year formerly held by Stormin' Norman gets ugly when the new history teacher, Mr "D" (Reynolds) is an instant hit with the entire school.
It manages to be inspirational without teetering into schmaltzy, well-written and brilliantly cast. School of Life is about realising that life is shorter than you think, and "it takes less than death to kill a man".
See also
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