School of Life
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dramedy about loss has positive messages, mature themes.
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School of Life
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What's the Story?
In SCHOOL OF LIFE, when new teacher Mr. D'Angelo (Ryan Reynolds) arrives at Fallbrook Middle School, his unorthodox and creative teaching style quickly make him a favorite of students and faculty alike -- except for Mr. Warner (David Paymer), who finally thought it was his year to win the coveted Teacher of the Year award. For Dylan Warner (Andrew Robb), it can be embarrassing enough to have your dad teach at your school, but when Mr. Warner's jealousy starts to drive him over the edge, Dylan's sure his chances with the girl he likes are over for good. Mr. Warner is determined to discover Mr. D's secret, but can he also find a better reason to teach than winning an award?
Is It Any Good?
This drama's heart is in the right place, and it offers a lot of positive messages, inspiring role models, and even a few laughs. (That is, for families with tweens and up who can handle the occasional strong language and themes involving loss.) Ryan Reynolds is affable and surprisingly understated but lacks real spark or genuine charm. School of Life offers some real, if small, laughs, but some of the dramatic aspects of the story feel forced. The made-for-TV production quality and supporting cast that doesn't quite find the spark add up to a movie that's overall enjoyable, if not nearly as life-changing as it wants to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a good teacher. Who was the best teacher you've ever had? Was he or she like Mr. D. in School of Life?
Have you ever lost a loved one or someone who was important in your life? Do you try to keep their memory alive? How?
What did Mr. D mean about doing one thing each day that scares you? Why would that be good for you? Is there something you'd like to try? What?
How do the characters in School of Life demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are these important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 20, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: January 3, 2006
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds, David Paymer
- Director: William Dear
- Studios: Ginormous Pictures, Bouncing Betty Productions
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Middle School
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: Language, brief sensuality, rude humor
- Last updated: December 27, 2022
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