In a Class of His Own (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

If you still have a heart (which I know you do), READ THIS!

[flightbylex · 9/10 · 13 September 2006]

OK, so I won't bore you with current society opinions of this film, but what I will do, is give you a straight shot at what you will see... 1. You will see motivation to change, whether within ourselves a tiny bit, or of the view we have of the world by watching this film. 2. You will see that the individual who commented before me, perhaps did not catch anything positive in an uplifting movie about our children in the current day. Succeeding finally in a world that is against any of the students, they turn out to be boldly "worth-a-"bunch! 3. Humanity is always looking for a hero;someone whom steps up and is HUMBLE enough to actually make a huge difference in life with just a few key people in line. 4. If you are working towards a promotion at your 'job' or you are wanting to make a difference in a child's life (maybe your own) or must simply put your own mark on the map, WATCH this FILM, because it will show you the true sides of every character & their own struggles to 'make it' to the level of "acceptance" (mind you, not above-intelligent, only standard)that the world expects and how hard sometimes that "seems" to reach. But in truth, "In a Class Of His Own" shows each one of us how we are all struggling for the same thing, but no one is willing to admit it!

By the way, Lou Diamond is excellent for this role. For those who remember "La Bamba"- he seems aggressive, but young still and torn with emotion. Yet, in this film, he is steadily prequipped for the demanding nature of the character, brought forth by spectacular supporting actors (not enough of his wife, but the students shine). If you have children of any age, rent this film. Forget that, buy this film. Don't give in to the world's current view, take your own road. It has always given you the best return and somehow, I think you knew that. Enjoy.

Underdog wins as usual, but in cute way

[Golden_God · 9/10 · 18 January 2000]

Waking up on a sunny January morning with little else to do but study, I turned on my TV and found this gem of a made-for-TV film.

It stars Lou Diamond Phillips in a strong performance as high school janitor Rich Donato who is faced with the possibility of losing his job because he does not have a high school degree. He is loved by the pupils of the school to whom he functions as both a friend and a teacher. He is seen as the best thing that has ever happened to that troubled school. Donato has to study for his degree and reach those near-impossible 81 pts.

Along the way he of course befriends some troubled angst riddled students, gets help from teacher Ms Ching, played by Joan Chen. Will he succeed?

Well, of course. The story is based on true events, a real Hallmark picture. Funny then how Donato at one point says; "OK, that's enough of this Hallmark moment", when two of the students find comfort in eachother.

See this film. It pulls the right strings. You've seen it before, but I think it is admirable that the handiwork on movies like these has improved over the years. And this is certainly a vast upswing for Phillip's acting career, quality wise. Seeing him last time in idiotic mercenary comedy The Big Hit, it is a relief he found his way back into "Ritchie Valens territory". This boy can play drama better... Just look at "Courage Under Fire".

It's still on Hallmark. Catch it if you can.

Not exactly a "compelling" story.

[gargantuaboy · 27 December 2007]

I saw this as I was going through the dial. I watched about half of it because I was amazed anyone found this story interesting enough to make a movie about. I mean a high school janitor who has to take a test to keep his job as a janitor isn't exactly "ROCKY." I mean there are so many things to make movies about, who could've found this story and said "This is gonna make a terrific picture!" Also, the janitor fails the test! Then he finds out through a phone call that he never needed to take it anyway because he had been there long enough, so he can remain being the janitor! It doesn't exactly give you chills. The writing was nothing to boast about either. Whats next? A man that works at Target stocking shelves has to take a test to keep his job, then fails, but still gets to keep his job because he's been there long enough. WOW!! LET'S MAKE THE MOVIE!!!!!

Wow that was pretty emotional for a TV movie and Inspiring

[Haider-kazmee · 9/10 · 10 May 2014]

I saw this movie back in 2002 when I was a kid . Then I forgot about it . Until this year 2014 I saw it again and reminded me of how great this film really is. The acting is actually very good, mostly from Lou D. Phillips and some of the leading kids. This movie made me tear up when the movie goes towards the end. The story is so inspiring that it made me do better in my electronic engineering test. I seem to study a bit harder now. So thanks for this movie. Everyone who understands true good human qualities and emotions must watch this brilliant work from Hallmark . The 90's where people were so much cooler . This movie is highly underrated for a movie that is based on a true story, and is hard to find . It shouldn't be a problem I think you can find it on amazon . 9/10 Outstanding!

charming? i'm not sure...

[JBoze313 · 18 November 2001]

In general, this isn't a very good movie. For what it's supposed to be tho, it's decent. Philips is a good actor, no doubt, and he's really charming as the janitor trying to pass the test to get his ged (so he can keep his job.) The woman who plays his wife, on the other hand, is one of the worst actresses I have seen in ANY movie. The script has a nice message- to judge people by what is in their hearts, to look past certain weaknesses in people, etc...mushy stuff like that. The problem tho- the script, while somewhat endearing, is quite lame. When you hear the wife tell philips she doesn't have her violin in her robe (don't whine, get it? ha ha ha)...you almost want to puke. I mean, come on! This movie was made for families obviously, but some of the script is just too lame...other than those few sections, it's entertaining, and as I said, it carries a nice message. Philips does a lot to move the movie forward, along with a young man who looks up to him, and is in the same boat almost (he is stuck in remedial classes.) Nice story, some halfway decent writing- overall- workable, entertaining, a good film.