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.