The Ron Clark Story

This was a very pleasant surprise for me over the Christmas break even at the time it was screened at 06.00 am, lucky I got up early! Rarely am I so taken with a film such as this, but obviously the story line really got me, as did the excellent acting by all the cast, the kids were just great, and utterly convincing.

I was also pleased to discover the film was based on fact, and I was pleased that these rebel children went on to greater things, would not the world be a much better place if there were More Mr Clark's around? Not just in teaching but in all walks of life, especially in politics and industry.

Honesty is in very short supply these days, now I am rambling so will pack in, surely my ten lines are complete?

Decided to seek this out due to Matthew Perry's untimely death. I had always admired him - he always carried a warmth and liveability in his roles and this translates to his role of Ron Clark.

He delivers an understated performance - gone are the wise cracks of Chandler from Friends (although there are moments of humour). Based a true story, this is a inspirational run of the mill lifetime movie but it is elevated by Perry and his supporting cast of students. It was an uplifting watch and I would thoroughly recommend to anyone who is a fan of Perry and is looking to remember him in a positive light. This is his film and he carries it.

Despite having elements that might be termed as Stereotypical, The Ron Clark Story (2006) still manages to keep you engaged, with a poignant tale of a teacher who wish to change the lives of kids from troublesome background.

Matthew Perry nailed this one throughout, in this 1 hour 30 min odd TV movie, which speaks about compassion, empathy, importance of education in a relatively straightforward manner, without much ado.

Even the emotional sequences were not overplayed, and the feelings were as grounded as possible, making this as a complete YES in my Re-Watch list ❤ Pretty heart-warming experience!

Kudos to Randa Haines (Director), and the writers - Annie DeYoung and Max Enscoe.

Not often these days do we get earnest films that are more than a formula (Glory Road comes to mind). The Ron Clark Story didn't reinvent the wheel, yet this made-for-TV movie was full of heart and positiveness. Matthew Perry managed to find a brilliant ballance between the pressure of being a teacher in a tough, intense neighborhood, with all the serious outcomes, and the joy and excitement of bringing a clever new teaching style to help the kids swallow the often-dry materials of history, math, etc.

I recommend this film not because it's in anyway ground-breaking, but simply because it has innocence that are hardly found in today's big budget films.

I am not a movie or TV critic, and I won't pretend to be. I will say that as just a normal person without any special credentials, I absolutely love this movie. It gives you this great feeling when you watch it, and I was shocked by Matthew Perry's performance. Having before only thought of him as the "Friends" guy his new personality took me completely by surprise. Overall, I thought that as a TV movie it is very much worth the time spent watching it. I had a great time and I'm sure that you will too.

The storyline is well developed and while there are a few unrealistic points, I think that it's very good. The children were portrayed very realistically, as were the challenges of teaching such a group. Knowing that it was a true story only heightened my enjoyment of the entire movie.

Because of the above said reasons I gave this a ten out ten. The movie isn't very action filled, and there isn't much romance, but I think that it's one of the best movies that I have seen in quite a long time.

I hope you will take this review seriously when choosing whether to watch this movie.

Thank you.