“The Class” But Whos Getting Schooled? [MOVIE REVIEW]
Imitation is sometimes the highest form of flattery. In the case of "Class", this is unfortunately false. Director and screenwriter Nicholas Cellozzi channeled his inner John Hughes when he crafted his film as a modern reimagining of Hughes' legendary 1985 film The Breakfast Club. The breakfast club was about random students who didn't know each other, spending Saturday classes together and getting to know each other. "The Classroom" is about students who don't know each other despite going to class together and failing a play, and who spend Saturdays studying on their own. Selozzi is not John Hughes.
As is often said, the same story can be told if told well. Writer Selozzi does director Selozzi a disservice and rarely rises above the cliché. That's not to say there isn't a believable message in the white noise of teenage attitudes, but things could have been much better.
Debbie Gibson Miranda and Anthony Michael Hall Folk in class. Photo by Brainstorm Media.
Gathered for one last chance to take Saturday's acting class, Professor Miranda wants everyone to dig deeper and discover her true self. He is unhappy with assistant director Miranda Faulk, who was hired to take him to the track for his observation on Saturday. He is shocked by what he sees and certainly does not protect these children.
And who are these children? Each of them is an easily recognizable stereotype. Charlie is your lazy Anyway, barefoot and neat. Jessie is a horny "good girl" who keeps secrets (well, everyone has secrets); Casey is a tough black girl with flashy dreadlocks and a reputation. Colin is a football macho; Michael is a badass; and Ellie is a poor rich girl.
Miranda tasks them with getting together and writing stories that reveal their deepest thoughts. no that won't happen. Left alone, they sink into silence and boredom. But there wouldn't be a movie if they didn't open up and, in true breakfast club tradition, discover that the fear they feel is what unites them.
Michael Sebastian as Michael, Lyric Ross Casey, Colin McCalla as Max, and Charlie Gillespie as Jason "Class". Photo by Brainstorm Media.
Although it takes a long time, the scenes between the students evoke heartfelt emotion. Sure, Selozzi manipulates these melodramatic moments for maximum sentimentality and likability, but it works. Each student has a real doubt about himself which prevents him from progressing. At the end of the school year, they united and helped each other in important matters, without much gratitude to their honest teacher and strict boss. Live, Miranda experiences a moment of emotion that coincides with the discomfort of her students.
Ejaculation disorders occur mainly in adults. Selozzi returned to Synergy at the Breakfast Club and Anthony Michael Hall played Major Faulk's assistant. This would give Hall a real 3D character to portray. Folk squirms, glows, and plays a one-dimensional villain. Debbie Gibson, yes, 80s pop singer Debbie Gibson plays Miranda as a ruthless optimist. It has its emotional moments and plays well, but other than that it's just a less than realistic vehicle.
Almost all the students were excellent students. Charlie Gillespie (Bewitched) as Jason, dramatically transforming from carefree nihilist to mentally ill, almost subtle enough to surprise you. Lyric Ross ("This Is Us") shows true star potential as Casey, a girl who can't hide from societal stereotypes. Rookie Michael Sebastian Michael successfully transforms his evil nature into something more. The storyline that gives her a convincing alcohol addiction no longer helps her. Colin McCalla (Prom) as Max, a mysterious gay footballer, does his best within the confines of the script. The same goes for Hannah Kepple (Jesse), who, as a dying beautiful girl, doesn't get much. After all, Juliette Celozzi is Alli, the rich girl, the least accomplished actress of the bunch. Without any backstory, he faces the unenviable task of bringing them all together. His actions may have something to do with his last name.
If you ignore gaps, and there are plenty of them, you may find that students cluster together. Whether manipulative or not, young protagonists become noticeably more emotional.
It opens Friday, September 9 at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood and on all major digital on-demand platforms.
