 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Gym Teacher: The Movie
- Review Date: September 29, 2008
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Underdog sports comedy has a bit of edge to it.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV movie touches on themes like teamwork, perseverance, and self-perception and examines what it means to be a winner. There's some poor sportsmanship and bullying (tweens tease a classmate, putting him down and throwing things at him), but it could prompt family discussions about respecting others and being tolerant of differences. Expect some sexual inferences (a woman's flirtatious remarks about a man's chiseled physique, a tween couple's one brief kiss, one teacher's mild fantasies about another) and name-calling. One of the co-stars, Amy Sedaris, has a reputation as an edgy comedienne.
What's the story?
Dave Stewie (Christopher Meloni) is a former world-class gymnast who turned to teaching physical education after his gold-medal dreams were crushed by a collision with a vaulting horse two decades ago. Now living in obscurity at Hamm Lake Middle School, gym teacher extraordinaire Stewie gets a chance to redeem himself (and nab a long-coveted spot on a Wheaties box) in the national Gym Teacher of the Year competition. The biggest hurdle between him and the prize turns out to be Roland Waffle (Nathan Kress). the klutzy new student who's determined to toss aside his own insecurities -- and his omnipresent safety helmet -- and prove himself among Stewie's more seasoned team members.
Is it any good?
GYM TEACHER: THE MOVIE is a thoroughly entertaining comedy. Meloni steps outside his usual (and acclaimed) dramatic roles to steal the show with his portrayal of the stereotypical whistle-blowing, knee socks-wearing, super-motivated gym coach. The movie's take on the entire school dynamic -- from batty Principal Hoffman (Amy Sedaris), whose crush on Stewie is neither secretive nor mutual, to Stewie's bitter rivalry with the irksome cross-town coach played by David Alan Grier -- is equally funny. Adults in particular will revel in Stewie's struggles to reconcile the disappointments of his past and seek personal redemption in a next-best-thing competition.
Comedy aside, Gym Teacher also has some surprisingly poignant moments and touches on issues like accepting differences, respecting others, building self-esteem, and fulfilling goals -- all of which can prompt worthwhile family discussions.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about bullying and self-image. Kids: Have you ever been the victim of a bully? How does it affect your self esteem? What can people do to improve their self esteem? What are your own personal strengths? Families can also discuss setting and meeting goals. What goals do you have for your life? Why are they important to you? How do your past experiences affect your determination to meet goals? What steps have you taken (or will you take) to ensure that you're successful? How will you measure your success?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
September 2, 2011
AGE
noo
sounds stupid and boring a no no for me
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
nice movie
i have the dvd and yeah i liked it its about a boy that is unpopular but soon he fits in by joining the gym class the movie says Tv Y7 so it must be a movie for preteens or teenagers any age doesn't matter there's nothing wrong with the movie no bad language no sexual stuff just a good movie for a kid or your kid to see
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Dirty Principal
The only reason I recommend this movie to be PG is that the principal in the movie kept cracking somewhat sexual jokes towards the gym teacher.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
February 24, 2010
AGE
Okay, but my brother loved it
Roland is terrible at gym and he thinks he will never be good at gym but at the end he help his team win
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
LAME!!!!!!
very lame boring suckish.... DO NOT WATCH!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
funnier than I expected
Our family (3 generations) enjoyed watching this movie. The lead character was entertaining and really engaging. I appreciated that it wasn't polished, the ackward moments kept it real.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Paul Dinello |
| Cast: | Amy Sedaris, Christopher Meloni, Nathan Kress |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 103 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 22, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | February 3, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
