The movie is presented in an old school 1980s-early 90s style. This in itself is a welcome relief from what can sometimes feel like the seemingly endless number of movies made in recent years that are nearly entirely reliant on visual effects to succeed.
Beyond its presentation this movie achieves another thing that I've been missing from so many movies made these days. Through the outstanding acting of its leads you really connect with the characters. If you really break the story down there isn't much to it. In fact all that really occurs is a miserable teacher that nobody particularly likes is tasked with essentially babysitting students who couldn't or weren't wanted at home over Christmas break.
However through their time together we learn how these characters became the way they are and can feel their struggles. If you've had some major hardship in your life you likely will connect with some of these characters.
In many ways I likened this movie to almost a Christmas version of The Breakfast Club. Hopefully other directors take note from this film and realize that developing strong characters has more value to many in the audience than simply a barrage of visual effects and CGI.
Beyond its presentation this movie achieves another thing that I've been missing from so many movies made these days. Through the outstanding acting of its leads you really connect with the characters. If you really break the story down there isn't much to it. In fact all that really occurs is a miserable teacher that nobody particularly likes is tasked with essentially babysitting students who couldn't or weren't wanted at home over Christmas break.
However through their time together we learn how these characters became the way they are and can feel their struggles. If you've had some major hardship in your life you likely will connect with some of these characters.
In many ways I likened this movie to almost a Christmas version of The Breakfast Club. Hopefully other directors take note from this film and realize that developing strong characters has more value to many in the audience than simply a barrage of visual effects and CGI.
