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SLIFF 2014 Review – TEACHER OF THE YEAR
TEACHER OF THE YEAR screens as part of the 23rd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival on Saturday, November 22 at 8:30 PM at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre. Get ticket information here.
Writer/director Jason Strouse’s feature film debut concerning the US education system may give credence to the old adage that “the inmates are running the asylum”. Truman High School’s a wild place thanks mostly to the oddballs and misfits making up most of the administration and faculty. The main exception being the title mentioned teacher of the year, Mitch Carter (Matt Letscher), who is also the rep for the faculty union. As a documentary crew follows him about, Mitch is at a crossroads. He’s being wooed by a private school lobbying group that’s dangling a big salary in front of him (and he’s got an adorable pre-schooler and a child on the way). On the other hand he believes he can make a difference in his pupils’ lives despite the jealousy of some other teachers like robotics coach Queeg (Jamie Kaler) and the inept principal Dr. Ronald Douche (pronounced “doo-shay” and played by Keegan Michael-Key of TV’s “Key and Peele”) and his toady VP Collins (Larry Joe Campbell), who delights in issuing detentions. But when one of Mitch’s teacher pals, math instructor Brian (Chris Conner), is accused of sexual harassment by a student, the pressures might push him over the breaking point.
Strouse shoots the film in a loose, fly on the wall manner similar to the “mockumentaries” of Christopher Guest and TV shows like “The Office’ and “Modern Family” which highlights lots of superb improv work from the very gifted Key (who’s a twitchy, preening mess) and the Sklar brothers, Randy and Jason, who may be the most incompetent, clueless guidance counselors ever (now they need some real guidance). Some familiar TV vets like Shari Belafonte and Tamlyn Tomita are welcome additions to the faculty lounge. But Strouse doesn’t skirt over real problems in the modern education like parental involvement and violence in the corridors. TEACHER OF THE YEAR is a strong, confident debut from this artist straight from the TV ‘trenches” and promises great future features from Mr. S. Oh, and don’t miss out on some hysterical outtakes as the end credits roll.
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