The Class

... which is the test first suggested by Roger Ebert: if in the first 20 mins of a feature film, you cannot come up with even one reason to continue to watch, it is a fail. The producers behind this debacle are not the first to attempt to improve on something that was already perfection (THE BREAKFAST CLUB 1985), nor will they be the last. In a script clearly meant to make the audience focus on the kids, the only cast member here who constantly catches the camera's eye is Debbie Gibson -- she fairly bounces from scene to scene. Casting one of the original members of TBC was a smart touch, but Anthony Michael Hall, now in his 50s, looks older than he is, and seems to be on set just for the payday. A swing and a miss. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

You can't help but compare this to TBC. It just shows how amazing John Hughes was because these 2 films are light years apart. The fact everyone stills talk about TBC just proves how legendary of a film it was. The problem with The Class It tries so hard that it never really hits the mark. The characters are hard too like and every problem they have are so dark that it feels over the top. TBC felt genuine but The Class feels forced. This film had potential but sadly it lacks the quality and heart. Sometime you have to realise that you are always going to be in shadows of the Greats. The Class is not a Class Act. You won't be talking about this film in 40 years......forget about me.

IN A NUTSHELL: This coming-of-age film is about a group of high school seniors forced to spend a Saturday at school, completing an exam they missed taking or previously failed. By the end of the day, they find their own values, betrayals, and love within themselves and their classmates.

The movie was written and directed by Nicholas Celozzi. Based on their last names, it appears that the director's daughter is one of the cast members.

The famous teen movie The Breakfast Club in 1985 was clearly the inspiration for this film. Sadly, it doesn't have the magic or charm of John Hughes movies.

THINGS I LIKED: Debbie Gibson plays an incredibly patient, compassionate high school teacher. Young moviegoers probably won't know that, in real life, she was a hugely popular singer in the 1980s. She's 52 years old and looks fantastic.

Anthony Michael Hall is a fun addition to this teen-angst movie because he was a common face in a bunch of the successful John Hughes movies of the 1980s.

Hannah Kepple is beautiful and has a beautiful singing voice. What a pleasant surprise!

Teenagers nowadays face increasingly difficult issues in a very complicated world. The film addresses today's issues for teens like coming out, abortion, family drama, friendship, preparing for college, popularity, health, drugs, and more. Most teens just want to be seen and understood while they're trying to figure out who they are.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Such annoying teenagers.

So much hair tossing.

I thought it was hilarious when one of the characters pulled a gigantic pill bottle out of her jacket, as if anyone would want to carry that around. Surely, she could have slipped a few in a baggie.

There's a lot more drama than comedy. Not all of the comedy lands.

All of the characters cry and spill their beans quite easily. Teen drama.

Some bad editing.

It's weird how the teacher kept leaving her class, abandoning her students. Maybe she wanted to give them privacy to work on their assignments; however, it was established in the beginning of the movie that these were flunking students who needed extra guidance and support.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Profanity, including F-bombs A guy brings a bong to class A guy drinks alcohol at school Teens flip the bird Violence Talk of death and suicide A teenage girl wears a bustier and super short-shorts to school

THEMES: High school Lack of motivation Drama class Abortion Alcoholism Rejection Abandonment Judging others Racism Creating safe spaces How we affect each other Be yourself Supporting one another.

I read the reviews on line and decided to manage my expectations. I was pleasantly surprise as I watched the story unfold. I definitely got the sense of the 80s Breakfast Club. The filmmakers touched based on many different relevant topics. I alway love watching Anthony Michael Hall. By the time it was over I wanted to see some more. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

It is not often that you get something that give you thought provoking dialogue. The actors were great and would love to see more of them. Possibly a sequel could be in the works. Anyways if you have time it is worth it. I may go back and watch for a second time.

First thing you should take off of your mind before watching this movie is The Breakfast Club. I know, it's kind of inevitable, but the similarities are there because The Class is a homage of the classic from 1985, but it is it's own film. I really loved the diversity of the characters and how each one approaches different issues that are so relatable. I had a few issues with some lines and cuts on the movie though. The performances of Lyric Ross and Charlie Gillespie deserves to be praised, specially towards the end. I wasn't expecting to get emotional, but I certainly did! The music and photography are great on the movie too, and I love all the details that the production crew created for the school, it gave so much life to the environment. So, regardless of some poor choices made on the writing/editing, it's totally worth the watch.