Review by John Delia
Working with a very good cast, The English Teacher brings in a classy story that takes an odd turn of events in the life of a dedicated educator. It’s a fun film that has heart, persistence and a whole lot of attention to the arts. Director Craig Zisk enters the world of failure and redemption with this interesting tale of a life out of control.
The film centers on Linda Sinclair (Julianne Moore) a forty something spinster who teaches English at Kingston High school. Her life is more mundane than most with her everyday routine, occasional speed dating, shopping for herself and cuddling up to a good book. Her life is about to take a turn when she runs into former pupil Jason Sherwood (Michael Angarano) who has recently graduated from a literary school in New York. Mistaking him for a robber and messing up his eyes with pepper spray at an ATM machine, she apologizes and gives him a ride home.
During their car ride they talk about his script that never got produced and she comes up with an idea of having her High School perform the play. She shows his work to drama teacher Carl Kapinas (Nathan Lane) and he loves it so much that he wants to produce it. The two of them bring the play to the Principal who agrees to do it if they tone down the sex and eliminate the gory ending, Linda and Carl are ecstatic. When a spontaneous incident that happens between Linda and Jason gets around school the whole play and Linda’s life starts to unravel.
The premise, although a little familiar, is a good one for Julianne Moore. Her looks and acting ability easily show she fits the part of the spinster who’s looking for more than a dead end life. With her books as her partner in life, you can see her character becoming incidental to the vast world outside of her classroom. Bringing the play to the school changes her into a new woman and she starts to take chances, even with a man nearly 20 years younger. Not all change is good however, and Moore has to show a spiraling Linda who nearly hits bottom. She’s up to the task and does a terrific job making Linda believable and endearing.
Other members of the cast especially Michael Angarano assists in bringing the creative little film to the screen. He’s perfect for the role, desirable, smart and affable. He has to make his character turn on Linda due to being rebuked by her and shows a realistic contemptible side. He not only taunts her, but retaliates with retribution by seeking out an affair with a member of the teen cast.
The English Teacher has been rated Rated R by the MPAA for language and some sexual content. It also contains a quick scene of teen drug sales.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A well acted film with a good plot for indie lovers. (B)
Additional Film Information:
- Cast: Julianne Moore, Michael Angarano, Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins
- Directed by: Craig Zisk
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- MPAA Rating: Rated R for language and some sexual content
- Running Time: 1 hr 33 min
- Opening Date: May 30, 2013
- Distributed by: Tribeca Films