I was told of this movie by my mom who said it was "one of those mean spirited movies" that make her uncomfortable...My kind of movie! I watched a trailer and instantly wanted to see it. I went with a friend who was also very excited to see the movie. Too bad we left the theater feeling let down and suggesting what the writers SHOULD have done.

In a nut shell, Judi Dench plays Barbara, an old British high school teacher. Cate Blanchette - or Sheba - finally has a chance to work after her 12 year old son with Downs Syndrome is accepted into a school. With her days free, she decides to teach. Dench is the hardcore no nonsense teacher (a lot like a teacher I had) who has seen it all and has no problem being honest and open about the poor conditions of the school system.

Sheba falls for a student and Barbara catches her in the act. Realizing that she can use this to her favor, Barbara falsly befriends Sheba all the while plotting on how she can blackmail her into a relationship with threats of making the affair public.

That's pretty much it. The movie left us wanting more - a shocking twist, a violent revenge plot on the behalf of Sheba. But there was none of it. Instead of being on the edge of our seats, captivated by the best movie of the new year. The acting was superb as usual, but instead of coming off as a maniacal, deceieving, back stabbing, evil and crazed lady, Dench's character merely comes off as weird in an unintentionally humerous way.

The ending was rather bland as well. The movie had a lot of promise based off of the story itself. The film was long and we kept waiting for the big shock or twist that never came. When the film finally ended, there was a clear look of disappointment on everybody's face in the theather leaving us saying, "that's it?"

Just my moms kind of movie...



Recommended:
No

Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older