It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I was curious about "The Substitute" because it was Mark Whalberg's debut as an actor but I couldn't have imagined the pleasures that this off beat melodrama had to offer. Elegantly told with unexpected holes in the narration here and there but with a thrilling central performance by Amanda Donohoe that left me kind of breathless. There is also a visual intention that is both surprising and deeply engrossing. Amanda Donohe looking at herself in the mirror at different times of her shattering journey gives you clues as to were her mind is. What does she actually see when she looks into the mirror? She was always a positive human being that was pushed into an infernal situation and instead of getting herself out she gets in deeper and deeper. I felt sympathy for her and at the same time she terrified me. The superb Hitchcockian score is another major plus.

It has been awhile since audiences have seen Amanda Donohoe. (Remember L.A. Law?).She is actually quite good as a teacher with less than good intentions; she looks mysterious and menacing. It is surprising also that Mark Wahlberg (previously known as "Marky Mark") is in this film I recently saw him in "The Shooter" and he has come a long way.For a TV suspense film this is not bad. Dalton James ("90210") also has a part as Ben's son, who realizes Donohoe is capable of murder. There are a few scenes reminiscent of Psycho, when he is in the library collecting information about the teacher and her murderous history. Natasha Gregson Wagner also has a small part as a student and Molly Parker ("Intensity").All in all, not a bad film for a rainy day.

Amanda Donohoe's performance is the highlight of this TV film.Gale had it all. Students who loved her and an adoring husband. Apparently, he found another love and when he was caught in the act, he is killed along with his lover.Gale runs off to Minnesota and begins a new teaching career. With Mrs. Fisher, the regular teacher, out on sick leave and probably taking early retirement, Laura Ellington, her new name, gets a long-term position and works with extremely difficult youngsters.She now looks like a witch and is quite a character. When Mrs. Fisher announces her surprise return, Laura does away with her so as to get the teaching position permanently.The film, as is the case with many others of this type, begins to deteriorate as the bodies pile up. Laura goes to bed with one of the students and then takes up with his widowed father. Mark Wahlberg plays a troubled student. When he follows Ms. Ellington to Mrs. Fisher's house, she kills him.I'll stop here because the ending is contrived ...but wild. Our school systems stink but a teacher like this, wow!

Amanda Donohue stars as a wonderful teacher with a dark side - she kills people. Pretty unoriginal concept, but I enjoyed it. Amanda Donohue was flawless in her portrayal of both a high school teacher and a psycho loon. She reminded me of my teachers so much I shivered. This film also marks Mark Wahlberg's acting debut and you can tell. Marky Mark was terrible in his portrayal of a "rebellious" teen and potential victim. I was cheering for his death and thank god he's taken some acting lessons since then. Dalton James was alright, but Natasha Gregson Wagner, who looks she's balding, was quite boring.More suspense was needed as was some development of the supporting characters (Wagner, Wahlberg, etc...). Aside from a few lost plots, bad performances and scenes of standard thriller fare, check it out. For once we actually feel for and understand the protagonist. She might kill people for personal gain, but who doesn't?6.5/10