Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Seen this movie on the Human Condition several times 2C those ratings of less than 5 stars could be frustrating, if I had not yet reached midlife. However, having surpassed that milestone, low ratings are best understood 2b those of individuals either too shallow to swim in any form of deep waters, or too young to have adequately attained a measure of maturity or develop even the basic elements of character. For those whom rated this movie a three or under: inexcusable unless developmentally challenged. For tis of basic decency that should one especially dislike a film, a simple conveyance of it not being to ones liking with perhaps details on what concept was found 2b disagreeable. However, 2b critical & demeaning of so many aspects of a film right down to even generalized oerception of poor acting in a film consisting of SO MANY A-list professional actors & indeed, some reviews can find nothing of value ought be adequate in itself of a reflection of the LACK of character, insight, empathy, humility, ethics, & ESPECIALLY an ability to form or process a perception based on any point of view outside of self. Sime of the low reviews here indicate puddles deeper than the reviewer. Enuf said. Perhaps the film will not appeal to all folk? Thats a given. Personally, I found the film 2b moving, the acting wonderful, the take away of inspiration to keep in mind the fact all have a story & a position of greatness all are capable of rising to &/or improving. In the subtle living our moments of life, we CAN find the power of hope & desire to make the most - or better - of the hand dealt us ..... & look down ONLY when lifting up our fellow man along is his journey as well. Shame on reviewers whom inconsiderately devalue a work to the point of having nothing at all redeemable to say ? Lazy is an individual whom cannot expend a small amount of time 2b introspective or LOOK FOR a single positive aspect within a work which resulted in a collaboration of MANY individuals & MUCH time, energy, effort & resources. Halfway intelligent & decent folks kno better to generally ignore reviews w/ratings of 1,2, &3 when a significant number of reviews are at the polar end .... If a reviewer can take the time to leave a review of ONLY total critical nature, its a reflection of the quality of character of the reviewer. Shame those reviewers even HAVE the benefit/privlege of viewing these bodies of WORK! Yes, they are WORKS in that those involved w/any aspect of it being available for others have an investment. If nothing else, some respect is rightly deserved to those. Again, one doesnt HAVE to "like" a movie. There ARE bad movies. However, unless one is "dead" inside, THIS movie, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, qualifies under films considered 2b "bad" !! Pfffft In fact, if a heart actually beats, & one has even BASIC decency, this movie WILL touch a part of the human soul and leave a mark. This reviewer sincerely grateful for this body of work. The film world is a better place for it having been made :)

Danny De Vito is Bill Rego, a successful ad exec and father who is made unemployed when a stressful journey to work causes the loss of an important contract for the ad company. After suffering the humiliation of having to start unemployment, he is assigned a teaching post at a military base due to a master degree from University (making him an eligible teacher). The military believes if they can help recruits cut the mustard at physical aspects, they can help the lower IQ'd in the brain department as well. After the initial conflict with his class due to their varying social background and much to the resentment of their drill instructor, he starts to teach them Shakespeare (in true sarcastic DeVito style), gaining their respect along the way. Also features Mark Walhberg in an early role. A thoroughly good film, well acted and very well scripted.Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

A movie that's better than you might think from some descriptions. There are a lot of good people in this film, Penny Marshall directed, and it deserves a second look. In addition to the funny stuff, there is a strong theme of socio-economic class, opportunity, and the value of communication skills. Refreshingly for a comedy, the army is not treated like idiots and automatons, though the Hines part is more stereotyped than it needed to be. Still, there are lots of good things and seeing the "educator" (DeVito) learn a few things is engaging and more. A perfect movie for a day when you're home sick and want to watch something you've seen before.

The older I get the more I realize how this movie is a little cheesy, But if you really like a feel good movie you can't go wrong with this one. Danny Devito did a wonderful job playing a teacher in the army.(a job he didn't ask for and is not looking forward to)He is brought in to teach these kids that everyone thinks are stupid. Every one of the characters left an impression in my mind. They all did a wonderful job at playing their roles.Each one of the student's are different and everyone knows someone in real life like each one of them. It is a little like dead poet's society but with more comedy and a more "happy good feeling" I am always in a GREAT mood at the end of this movie!