Mr. Gibb

It seems I like independent films. Here I am, again, writing a review because I liked this film so much. Loved the amplified sounds of the creaking, older car door, winding down the window, and the rest. Like the moments that fill in backstory and character choices. Like the quick misdirections, and the fact that there's a clear juxtaposition between characters uncomfortable because they know they're treading in dangerous territory, and those that accept their forbidden activities as a natural course of events. Inventive way to start a kidnapping, and was that a big clue just put over her head? Liked the director's choices in blocking, how the camera was often, if not mostly, slightly off center. There were angles, triangles, diagonals, lighting choices that made every shot interesting, to me. For those who have expressed disappointment with the acting, I respectfully disagree. This is a small story about real people. I think every single actor was spot on, and, again, the choices made by either the director or the actors. There are quiet moments that speak volumes. I especially like that we can figure out who the kidnapper is, and we're not dragged through all kinds of red herrings just to fill frames. All the suspects are shown to us, then it's up to us to pay attention. All the clues are there, all the reactions, nuances. You just have to be engaged and follow where this deft little film takes you. It's charming, and that's a word I seldom use in a positive sense. But, in this case, it is very positive. It lures you, leads you, holds you, then let's you go with a very satisfactory ending. Loved it.

let's get the good stuff out of the way first...

the story line and the writing both are amazing... in the hands of a more capable director, this movie could've been an excellent movie.

the story has all the elements that could attract a viewer, from the good building of the problem, the attraction, the deliberate misguiding to the twists at the end. (but no comedy whatsoever)..

but it was really really really bad directed, and you can notice that from the very first shot of the film. a summer trained director trying his luck, and thinking that having a star like Hayden Panettiere can sell the movie - which i don't know why she agreed to do the movie in the first place?? being that she's totally in her prime...

there are some characters in the movie that were in it only for the purpose of the felling of an empty 5 minutes or something, there are characters that appeared in the beginning of the movie, and it was set in my mind that this character will play an important rule in the story line, but suddenly i didn't see that character again!!!!

overall, it was below medium, and really what a sham, it could've been something really good.

my vote is 3 out of 10

It wasn't awful, but this movie is pretty forgettable. With only a couple of exceptions, the characters came off as two dimensional, their actions made no sense and seemed totally unrealistic. The actors did a passable job with what they had. The dialogue had a few chuckles but largely felt short of witty, and it couldn't seem to commit to comedy and instead comes off as a not so compelling drama with a few comic moments. I will say the end was unexpected to me, but it didn't really make up for the flaws.

Of course, Hayden Panettierre is really hot, and if you enjoy looking at her this movie is probably worth seeing just for that.

Hayden Panettiere is as charming and likable as ever, but when the character disappears, she pretty much does as well. Fans who watch The Good Student because of her top billing and front-and-center placement on the box art will be disappointed by her limited screen time here. Other than that the film wasn't great but wasn't all that bad, much like a lot of films were released in 2006 lol. It was nostalgic and fit in with what I would have enjoyed back in high school, however that was a different time and it didn't age well to 2025 lol, I probably would have given it two stars if Hayden Panettiere wasn't in it lol.

The Good Student is an entertaining who-dun-it. It is well acted and worthwhile entertainment. Pay attention to the police detectives because the pair is portrayed with a little different approach. I guess I do not know what a "Dark Comedy" really is, but I wouldn't categorize it as such. (The term Dark Comedy is almost an oxymoron.) It is necessary for the viewer to get into the action and follow along. If one just remains at the surface, it will be hard to like this movie, so plunge right in. You will find yourself wavering back and forth as you attempt to figure out who is the actual villain. Just get into it and expect to enjoy it and you'll have a nice experience. If you like a few twists and turns along the way, you will like this movie and find it a good way to have spent 90 minutes.