April 14, 2007

College bound rowdy boys who are in the process of finding themselves focus on...history?

Eight teenage boys have gotten the highest test marks in their school. This qualifies them to try for the best universities in England like Oxford. At the same time they're cramming all these historical facts, they flirt with issues of sexuality, religion, sex (or the lack there of) and the like. The Headmaster (Clive Merisson) is on mission to get as many of the students into first class universities. So he brings in a new teacher, Mr. Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore). He's there to help the boys think outside the box for their final test and interviews. It's all about separating themselves from other students who are in the running. In the end, it's a combination of looking at history through a different perspective mixed in with the ecletic teachings of their "hands on" general studies teacher Hector (Richard Griffiths) that gets the job done.

I might've been the only person who didn't know this was a play beforehand, but it doesn't take long to notice. There's lots of fast-paced comebacks and singing and acting out bits and pieces of other plays. It seemed out of place for a movie to be written like that so I always thought it felt like a play. And the focus on history...I have never felt so stupid in my life. Most of the time I didn't know what they were talking about. I certainly didn't know what plays the songs or scenes they spontaneously acted out were from. It's safe to say I was a bit lost with all that.

Even so, that didn't take away from me watching the movie. It's enjoyable to watch. Boys are still boys and in the middle of all the seriousness of knowing every SINGLE historical detail, they make fun of and get a rise out of the teachers, Headmaster and of each other. The boys are witty, sharp and always on their toes. And at the same time caring and endearing. So, I can over look all the history stuff I didn't know anyway.