vincentlynch-moonoi 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.

jentilbury Can someone please help me find out what the name of the first song in the movie School of Life is. I have been looking for it for a long time. I've tried everything. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!! Here is part of the song that I remember.......always searching always wanting more, how do you make it why don't _____ it..... I can't remember all of it. But this song really touched me and I just can't seem to find out what it is.. I loved this movie it was so good I watched it like 3 times the first time I rented it I think I drove my husband crazy.lol. So help him by helping me find out the name of that song.Thanks

eddievh1 If you are a teacher you must watch this film. It is an excellent portrait of what a school teacher needs to have to be an effective teacher. As Mr. D shows, the most important part of education is connecting with your students, that way they are involved will lessons. They want to come to class, they want to participate, and they enjoy learning. If there are any other teachers out there that have seen this movie and would like to comment, I would love to hear from you. I am a Middle School Art teacher and have the same addictive art program as Mr. D shows. If you are one of the burnt out teachers that don't enjoy teaching anymore, please watch this movie. It might making teaching fun again for you!!!

dvdragonfly 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.