Under Craig Zisk’s frisky direction, the entire cast is superb and wrinkle-free. The screenplay, by husband-wife team Dan and Stacy Chariton, is thin as a poker chip but as clever as it is contrived.
Cute, sweet, great acting. I love both Julianne Moore and Nathan Lane, so this was the perfect flick for me. I thought both of them were truly in their element for English Teacher
Even the sitcom stylings might not matter if the movie were funny, but in spite of the potential for Guffman-esque comedy, The English Teacher boasts few surprises—except perhaps its message, which seems to be that selling out isn’t so bad. Chalk it up to a case of “write what you know.”
The acting, especially Ms. Moore’s, is solid. But her strong, sympathetic performance fails to transform The English Teacher into anything more than a sitcom devoid of laughs, except for a soupçon of literary humor. It is a movie at odds with itself.
I think I really like Julianne Moore here. She's quite funny, moreover her role as an English teacher who loves literature so much and loves being alone as much as I do. Haha. Feels like this movie's talking about people like me with our lonely passion??? Of course without that affair with her former student. Eww!
This is just the best comedy of Julianne Moore, despite its average story. You know, I've never really liked her. But this movie, and Carrie, change my personal opinion about her. Can't wait to watch Still Alice. ^^
This is Julianne Moore's movie. She's in almost every scene and has the chops to pull it off. She plays a single, stereotypical high school teacher with no personal life…until one of her former students returns home with a play he's written. She takes it upon herself to bring it to the stage (with the help of drama teacher, the always funny Nathan Lane). There are other supporting roles that add to the humorous momentum (notably the school administrators). This movie is as light and predictable as a TV episode and some of that could be the director, Craig Zisk, a talented veteran of the medium. Although it's in no way memorable, this is a sweet little trifle with charming comic energy.
Does former student count...!
A perfect role for Julianne Moore. All the other characters were nicely arranged around her's. It was a story based on the high school teacher and her ex-student, joining together for a school project. In the middle part, a wonderful development in the story turns the convincing second half. Some people are not a good listener, they try to finish the sentence before the speech givers. Such small instance, sometime may create a big trouble. Not right away, but it takes time of its own. At some point the truth will meet and all the hell will break out.
A movie with a good narration, but very familiar and predictable. Pleased performances, individually, but casts did not blend well together. Overall, a better movie than what I've heard about it, especially compared to so many overrated recent films. Easily just an above average, should have been better in the many parts, but the quality is there and entertains. In the end, it gives satisfactory for what it is. If you expect something more beautiful or powerful, this isn't the right film for you.
6.5/10
“The English Teacher” is an awkward attempt by director Craig Zisk (“Weeds”, “The Larry Sanders Show”) in his feature film debut as he tries to relate the tale of a spinster high school teacher Julianne Moore, who becomes obsessed with the talents of one of her former high school students. Nathan Lane plays the drama coach/teacher who loves the play the ex-student has written and the efforts all make to have it produced. Greg Kinnear as the father of the young playwright also interjects his presence as this troubled film seeks to find its comedy/tragedy identity but never quite makes it. I give the film only a 6 despite the fine efforts of 3 very talented actors.
it tries to make you feel you`r reading a book but it can`t even get close to that. but it`s still lovely to see julianne moore in a role that sounds to be written for her. the movie all together doesn't have much to talk about.