Simply A Masterpiece

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

I finally came to view this, yesterday, if only for Marky Mark Wahlberg. He gives a kind of breakthrough, if memorable performance. Suck factor: he dies 51 minutes into the movie, at which point I, turned off. Killing MM in this film, is like sticking a knife right in the belly of it, his life, taken by the murderous crazed, hottie teach, Donahue, a human sex magnet to the eyes of any male, much more ones, who are undersexed. She killed her former hottie husband, after catching him in bed with one of her students, and from there, she just loses it, where cut to the present, she's starting a whole new life, in a new town, and new school, substituting for an old hag, the students were glad to see go. She catches the eye of a young good male student, whose hormones are working overtime. He becomes fixated with her, despite his nicey nice, seet and prim proper girlfriend, Natasha Gregson Wagner. The Substitute, the same title taken a few years later by that Berenger school yard film, is stupid, but marvelously and addictively entertaining, shot how 90's t.v movies were shot, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Donahue and Wahlberg, before he became a rennaisance man, or got any army intelligence, are the two assets here. Donahue, gives a memorably knock out performance, while Wahlberg, generates so much charm, and natural ease in it's acting. You can look at it, as bad, or is it? His entry, while reciting a poem to a much younger Amy Adams, is a hoot as seeing him in some other scenes, such a rebel. I'm sorry I turned off after 51 minutes, but it just wasn't right, disposing of Wahlberg, like a down right low kick to the guts.

Wow! I had a lot of fun, I was taken and manipulated in the most delicious way. Amanda Donohoe creates a very human monster. She is spec-ta-cu-lar! That pain that you perceive in every one of her smiles is like an emotional ticking bomb that sooner or later is going to explode. I had to be reminded this movie was made for cable TV about two decades ago and that may explain its inconsistencies. Martin Donovan, the director, has an eye and an elegance so beautifully present in his Apartment Zero. There is a clear ambition, visual and dramatic in this surprising movie - look at that triangular moment at the school party. Father, son and teacher. Or the computer search with images and words taking over the screen. Also, the performances are totally cinematic. It bears repeating that Amanda Donohoe's performance deserves some kind of trophy. Dalton James, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Molly Parker and even Mark Wahlberg making his film debut have moments of beauty and power. All the characters even the smallest have a chance to shine. I've been trying to buy it in Amazon or Netflix - they never heard of it! I can't find it anywhere but I'm determined to see it again.

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.

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