Parents' Guide to

Gym Teacher: The Movie

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Underdog sports comedy has a bit of edge to it.

Movie NR 2008 103 minutes
Gym Teacher: The Movie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

caffinegirl85
caffinegirl85 Adult
September 19, 2011
age 7+

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

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
sdwqasswdsed
sdwqasswdsed Parent of 17-year-old
June 11, 2010
age 9+

yeah

the kissing has to go

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (6):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Movie Details

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