SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

Leigh Lim Could it have made the transition to TV like 'Friday Night Lights'? I'm hoping in a number of years, the answer to that question would no longer be a mystery!I'm currently in the process of re-watching it, and like most of the films in the same decade (the 90's) – it has that recognisable sweeping score. I think what makes it watchable decades later (like 'Good Will Hunting), is the cast and the writing. Though there are a lot of supporting characters that play teens --- there isn't a constant hum of that annoying teen angst that compels me to stay close to the remote and hit stop…and delete on the DVR.Being a musician, it does get a bit personal sometimes --- and I considered not watching this with anyone else. Though I am comfortable pitching my music to perspective listeners --- sharing my connection with music…feels like letting someone have a peek in a diary that only contained those times when I come across a track that connects with me. Or even, despite the things I'd change…the feeling I get of humility (I'm so blessed to have been in the right place, time and frame of mind --- to be able to create this) and satisfaction (because it could have gone a thousand different ways…and I was able to pick this way…and I'm happy with how it turned out!).Some magic moments for me:(1) Recognising Terrence Howard (He's the guy who joined the band to get extra credit --- so he could make a stronger case to return to the football team), during his first scene with Glenn. Based on the year the film came out, he would have been in his mid 20's during filming. (2) For a moment thinking that Forest Whitaker was there, then before fully dismissing it --- he was (He played the Adult version of the actor who I thought was him). (3) The End --- I was fighting back tears (knowing already what would happen)!

anssir66 This is a lovely film about a teacher's career and dreams that never get fulfilled. In the beginning he has to take a teaching job in a high school, with hopes to earn enough to later concentrate on his true love in life, composing.This dream never comes true as the four years that he's planning to teach become thirty years. The magnificent classical piece heard during the opening credits, the grand opus he's dreaming one day to compose, never becomes reality; instead, at the end of the film we hear a considerably different, "inferior" piece as a deliberate contrast, but in the end it doesn't matter to him - he has found his true fulfillment in life in inspiring his students to love music, within the confines of the high school world.One point off for the length, but otherwise highly recommended and heartwarming, tastefully directed movie.

babyfir77 I enjoyed this film in its initial theatrical run, then repeated viewings. Just recently (I don't have it on DVD yet) it came on TV so I recorded it as my teenage boys haven't seen it.So my wife, the boys and I watched it together and enjoyed it. Great performances all around, especially for Richard Dreyfuss. He was fantastic as the composer-turned-high school music teacher. A wonderful blend of drama and comedy! Having the historic aspect of world events was a terrific idea. I would say another reason we enjoyed the film was how it presented teaching.....that it can be done in other ways to get across to students.The soundtrack for the film was also chosen well!

JoeKarlosi A heartfelt performance by Richard Dreyfuss is the strongest asset of this good, though not great, movie. Dreyfuss was nominated for Best Actor in playing Glenn Holland, a young man who dreams of one day completing a memorable piece of great classical music. In order to make ends meet and feed his wife and deaf son, he must lower his standards by taking on a frustrating teacher's job at a high school. Holland initially has a tough time trying to interest his lethargic students in music appreciation, but his efforts ultimately pay off as he begins to make a difference in their lives. Spanning a period of 30 years from about 1965 to 1995, the film does not successfully realize that transition as well as it might have. For example, I was able to spot a number of chronological errors in how the montage of passing years was represented. But one personal highlight in the film for me involved Holland's devastation upon learning of the murder of John Lennon in 1980. *** out of ****