Stundenplan

I enjoyed this. The main character, Damian, is believable and sympathetic, plus we feel sorry for him because his wife was murdered by some really serious bad guys. The baddies in this film are suitably loathsome, the love interest is cute and we are encouraged to root for the good guys from the word go. The high school setting is convincing, the locations are dark and threatening and everything generally goes the way we want. Not cinematic history but a good thriller with a different setting from most. I can see where the comparisons with Reacher come from but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Watchable and satisfying, once you've had a drink or two.

"Lesson Plan" is an Action - Drama movie in which we watch an ex-cop investigating his friend's death while working as a teacher. His main goal is to find out what happened and his friend died but also who is responsible for his death.

I enjoyed this movie because it had a nice, simple plot that contained plenty of action and suspense and at the same time some plot twists that I did not expect. The interpretation of Piotr Witkowski who played as Damian Nowicki was very good and he made the difference. The direction which was made by Daniel Markowicz was simple and he presented his main character very well, something that made possible for the audience to relate to him and follow him on his risky quest. Finally, I have to say that "Lesson Plan" is an interesting action movie to spend your time with.

Then it just became another 80's Karate Kid-type film we've all seen many times before - from the 80's and 90's. The fight scenes were too many and too boring, and the entire story had every cliche you can imagine. There were probably as many plot holes as there were fight scenes, and the entire story had nothing new to offer for this genre as it was entirely predictable. The romance scenes were cheesy and sappy as well. Plus it got tiresome glorifying the lead actor as some tough-guy - almost as if he wrote the story to make himself an action star, which was unconvincing from the start. The normally comfortable 101 min felt dragged out with all the cliched and predictable scenes, even though it had decent pacing. Perhaps in the hands of a better director and more convincing lead, I may have given it an extra point or two, but as was, not offering anything new to the genre, it's a very generous 6/10 from me - mostly because it was an international Polish and non-Hollywood film that was still watchable, one time.

What takes away from this film immediately, is the poor choice in music. There has been an increase in opting for this type of music, across many mediums and platforms and it lowers the quality of the films.

Rock, Hard rock, would be more appropriate. Or any other kind of music rather than what was selected. I was really looking forward to the film. Within the first minute, and within first ten minutes the choice remains the same, causing me to simply have to pause the film. To all producers of film, please choose something else- the audience is not impressed by such a choice. You put in a lot of hard work to have it tainted with such low class music.

Lesson Plan" is a solid action film that delivers an enjoyable viewing experience with its straightforward yet engaging plot. The story centers on Damien, who steps in as a teacher after a friend dies under suspicious circumstances. As he takes on this new role, Damien finds himself entangled with gangs and drug dealers that have infiltrated the school. Determined to restore order and find out who is responsible for his friend's death, Damien takes matters into his own hands.

The film excels in its character development, making the audience root for Damien and his students as they band together to reclaim their school. The characters are well-crafted, and their struggles and growth throughout the movie add depth to the narrative. Damien's efforts to teach his students self-defense lead to numerous well-choreographed fight scenes that keep the action dynamic and exciting.

The plot is reminiscent of classics like "The Karate Kid" and "The Substitute," blending elements of martial arts and teacher-student camaraderie. This familiar formula works well, creating a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh. The gritty cinematography enhances the film's atmosphere, immersing viewers in the tough, high-stakes environment the characters navigate.

Overall, "Lesson Plan" is a well-executed action film that stands out with its compelling characters and thrilling fight sequences. It's a movie that knows its genre and delivers on its promise, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of action-packed dramas. Whether you're in it for the intense action, the heartfelt moments, or the satisfying narrative, "Lesson Plan" offers a bit of everything and is sure to entertain.