Beyond the Blackboard

I've watched a number of Hallmark movies and here are the reasons. They typically are low-stress (no explicit violence, no bad language, no scenes of immorality, happy endings). Also they generally involve talented and good-looking actors. However, what they lack is unique and well-crafted stories (quite predictable plots), much drama, and much realism.

Beyond the Blackboard fits all the above (including some engaging child acting) but reaches higher than typical. It is helped by the fact that it is based on the true story "Nobody Don't Love Nobody" by teacher and advocate Stacy Bess, the main character in the movie. Though the film tames down the realism, it still manages to shine light on the the traps of homelessness that are difficult to escape, the common needs we all share, and the impact of family. The story also encourages those who are more fortunate to sacrifice and take action, out of simple humanity and also the priceless rewards that follow having a positive impact on children's lives. Being a lifelong educator myself, I also empathize with the value the film places on a safe and accepting learning environment, especially for children who don't have that at home and naturally long for it.

I think people who may or may not be great fans of Hallmark movies will be pleasantly surprised at this one.

My wife asked me to watch this movie with her last night and I'm glad she did. This was a very well done movie. All the actors did a great job especially Emily VanCamp as Stacey Bess. The child actors they got for this movie also did a very good job. I became very interested in the children and what their story was. And to probably be expected some were pretty sad. It was interesting to find out what happens to them during the movie. And as in all Hallmark movies there are some moments that tug at your heartstrings! And moments where you get a smile on your face. This was a story that I wasn't aware of so you could learn something from this movie as well as just get some enjoyment from it. A good choice for the family to watch.

7.6 stars.

A young woman in her early twenties becomes a teacher. To her surprise, she is placed in a homeless shelter classroom of sorts. This is a place where homeless people hang out and sleep in their cars and some small trailers on the property of an old train depot. That part isn't totally clear, but it's obvious this is a place where the homeless are trying to improve their lives, but it's a slow process. The parents are trying to find work and their children live with them in this small automobile and trailer camp. There are some social workers assigned to manage the temporary shelter as well. This young woman is assigned to teach grades 1-6 and it's a challenge. The story goes on to show us how she cares so deeply for this community of homeless and they all grow to love her very much and everyone is profoundly blessed.

I was touched, shed tears about 5 times and that's a lot.

Grab kleenex! This movie was wonderful! ALMOST MADE ME CRY because of the joy I felt. It always warms my heart to see others, helping others and giving their all. If you like heartfelt movies, this one is it! Very thankful for their movies to make us feel something and want to do better and give of ourselves! James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 2/14/2021

This movie is about the heart and compassion of newly graduated teacher who had the heart to make a difference in the lives of homeless students and their parents. The beauty of it, is she never treated them any less than anyone else. She treated them with respect, love and compassion. In turn, the students and parents learned to trust, be involved in their children education, learned to read and the students thrived.

The moral of the movie... It only takes one act of kindness and the continuation to show up each day to make a difference. In turn, others will do the same. Any child can learn and be great students, they just need someone to believe in them and show up!

This is a great film that really made me appreciate the great teachers I had in school whose dedication made an impact on me as a positive adult. I think if every teacher were like Mrs. Bess and cared about every student, public education wouldn't be so wrought with so many issues in the US.

For a television film, the acting and writing are pretty good. Vancamp is believable as the hardworking and total novice teacher, Mrs. Bess, and she is able to carry the film for the entire 90 minutes. I think the filmmakers could have spent a little bit of time showing how Bess got trained as a teacher because the plot jumped 8 years into the future in the first 5 minutes. Vancamp very briefly plays her character as a teenager, which makes you suspend belief since Vancamp was in her late 20s here.

It is a sappy, family friendly movie that I would imagine teachers could also show to students in middle or high school. It's a Hallmark movie so of course it's a little cheesy but made for a nice Saturday afternoon viewing.