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Teaching Mrs. Tingle
By Beth Pratt,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Misguided teen thriller -- don't bother.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Community Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
One of my favourites
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PG-13 Thriller Has a Bit of Sexual Content.
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What's the Story?
In this dark comedy, dedicated high school student Leigh Ann (Katie Holmes) becomes increasingly frustrated that, after all her hard work and excellent grades, she isn't going to be chosen as class valedictorian. Leigh Ann is pushed over the edge when her mean teacher, Mrs. Tingle (Helen Mirren), trashes her final class project and accuses her of cheating. Leigh Ann gathers her friends Jo Lynn (Marisa Coughlan) and Luke (Barry Watson), and they head over to Mrs. Tingle's house in an attempt to persuade her not to turn Lee Ann in to school officials. But the plan takes a dark turn when the teens kidnap their teacher.
Is It Any Good?
You can't help but wonder why the acclaimed British thespian Helen Mirren would agree to be a part of this misguided teen thriller. She seems to enjoy portraying a Disney-like villainess, playing mind games with her inept captors. Yet, her efforts are mostly wasted, as the movie has too many implausible events and unanswered questions--apparently Mrs. Tingle never has to go to the bathroom, and why wouldn't she go to the police when she escaped?
Dawson's Creek star Katie Holmes and Seventh Heaven's heartthrob Barry Watson give decent performances. Molly Ringwald, former star of John Hughes high school flicks, gives a noteworthy performance as the school secretary/substitute teacher with a peculiar historical perspective.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether this is a realistic portrayal of high school students and teachers, as well as the real pressures felt by kids to get good grades and get accepted into college. Would a teacher as evil as Mrs. Tingle, who routinely insults students and faculty alike, remain in the classroom? What real-life situations do you think the movie is exaggerating? What message, if any, is it trying to give viewers?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 10, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: April 10, 2002
- Cast: Helen Mirren , Jeffrey Tambor , Katie Holmes
- Director: Kevin Williamson
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 96 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic content, violence, sexuality, language and some teen drinking
- Last updated: February 25, 2023
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