School of Life

School of Life is a 2005 made-for-tv movie (comedy) starring David Paymer and Ryan Reynolds.

Plot: Paymer stars as stick-in-the-mud science teacher, Matt, who is trying to live up to the legacy left to him by his father. Matt's father, who taught at the same school Matt now does, was an inspirational teacher who won the Teacher of the Year award EVERY year. At the beginning of the school year, Matt tries to position himself to win the award, but is foiled by the arrival of a brand new history teacher, Michael (played by Reynolds). Michael's engaging style (so similar to Matt's father) is such a hit with students that Matt feels the only option for his success is to find a way to smear Michael. What Matt is able to uncover about Michael is life-changing for them both, as Matt has to come to terms with who he is so he can change.

My take: Paymer does an excellent job with his character, making him both unlikeable and endearing at the same time. Reynolds' performance is understated in this film, but his presence once again makes the film extremely watchable. I really wish I had a history teacher like Michael. The movie really shows how great teachers are able to inspire and educate kids. A must-see for any teacher.

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