Un prof en enfer

After almost 30 years, the sequel of "To Sir, with Love" came out. I enjoyed the first movie, so I thought the second film would bring the same emotions. I was wrong.

I feel like they tried to expose and solve to many social problems (problems that Thackeray's students faced) but failed. It was something like: look this is the tragical problem this one has, the issue is miraculously solved, everyone is happy. In addition, the other part of the story that exploits Thackeray's life is very stiff, without many explanations and, somehow, forced. I feel like they could have done way better than this.

However, on the other bright side, it was touching to see how students change for the better thanks to their teacher (something that we saw in the first movie as well).

Unfortunately this sequel lacks the passion of the original. It is the same story with a modern twist. Mr. Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) is faced with near identical trouble-minded students. The setting and characters have changed, though the central students are mirror images of those in the 1967 film. The acting in some instances is bad, in others just average. With the exception of Poitier who, as always, is terrific.

I loved the original. Despite my disappointment in this film, I wouldn't discourage you from seeing it if you enjoyed the first as much as I did. Just temper your expectations. To me, it does not have the same feeling and, accordingly, will not elicit the same emotion. Much of what was so special to me about the 1967 film was that it brought to mind the wonderful teachers I was privileged to have during my schooling. Amazing individuals who were fundamental in my development as a person. This sequel did not bring about the same memories and therefore falls far below it's predecessor.

Proof that Sidney Poitier does not always have the Midas touch. You knew all along that Mark Thackery was going to succeed, so no surprises there, and no real satisfaction either. But the BIG TURN-OFF was the sheer idealism of the movie. The teens Thackery is trying to convert just aren't gritty and dirty enough. The moment when Thackery returned from his short retrenchment and the class began chanting 'Thackery' in unison epitomised that for me. It was a moment was total unrealism. This movie just did not work, despite good intentions I'm sure. 4 out of 10 because I'm not feeling generous.

I saw and loved the original movie To Sir With Love. Sidney Poiter is one of my favorite actors. I really enjoy classics. After watching the original movie for the umpteenth time I was beginning to wonder what ever happened to S.Poiter. Wondering if they ever made a second or would ever make one... then just days after think that, I saw an advertisment for To Sir With Love 2. You can imagine how overjoyed I was. I could hardly wait to see this movie to see if it could be as good as the first. I was very much pleased with it. If you enjoyed the first you will enjoy the 2nd. I am also happy to say that I have passed on, to my very young daughter, my love for the classic movie. As a matter of fact she is at this very moment watching the original To Sir With Love and not for the first time I might add. Sidney Poiter is a very handsome man and a very good actor and everything and I mean everything he has done has been wonderful. And I might add that he looked as young in the 2nd movie as he did in the first. I would love to know where he found the fountain of youth.... but I am sure that is a secret only God knows.

I saw To Sir, With Love 1 when I was young, and it stayed with me. I always wanted a teacher like Mark Thackery, but I was never lucky enough to encounter one. I had no ideal that they had made the second one until one day, I was lucky enough to catch it on Starz! Three people at my house sat mesmerized by Sidney Poitier as Mark Thackery's second chance after being retired from English schools to help kids that needed help and had been discarded from life. I found it to be very believable, and so did my friends. We would all recommend this movie. If you get a chance to see it, watch it. It's definitely worth your time.