Just saw The Empreror's Club
11-20-02, 03:24 AM
#1
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Just saw The Empreror's Club
Went to a matinee of Harry Potter with some friends and upon exiting the theater a local radio station was giving away free passes. Two movies for the price of one. 
Overall, I liked it. The trailer made it seem nearly identical to Dead Poet's Society, and there are similarities, but avoids the formulaic ending that many expect as the film builds. Kevin Kline has played many teachers in the past, but this is a nicely definative role for him that doesn't have any major breakthroughs, but showcases his style and mannerisms.
For those who are not familiar with the trailer, The Empreror's Club focuses on William Hundert(Kevin Kline), the beloved western civilization teacher at St. Benedict's Academy for Boys, touted as the training ground for the leaders of the future(like every film or book regarding academy life). He has an affinity for Greek and Roman history and is adept at reaching his students and eliciting genuine effort and excitement. Sedgewick Bell(Emile Hirsch, who looks like a younger brunette Dicaprio and is known for his role in The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys) is the son of a U.S. Senator who pushes the limits of behavioral and academic standards.
This film focuses on integrity, honor, and other Franklin-esque virtues and how those virtues are acquired (or not) at an early age. The Empreror's Club really doesn't break any new ground for this genre, but is enjoyable and not as trite as you might think. Decent performances, invisible directing, and enough new additions(such as the Mr. Julius Caesar contest) make this a reccomended choice for those who enjoyed Dead Poet's Society, Mr. Holland's Opus, or Pay it Forward.
6/10 B-
Overall, I liked it. The trailer made it seem nearly identical to Dead Poet's Society, and there are similarities, but avoids the formulaic ending that many expect as the film builds. Kevin Kline has played many teachers in the past, but this is a nicely definative role for him that doesn't have any major breakthroughs, but showcases his style and mannerisms.
For those who are not familiar with the trailer, The Empreror's Club focuses on William Hundert(Kevin Kline), the beloved western civilization teacher at St. Benedict's Academy for Boys, touted as the training ground for the leaders of the future(like every film or book regarding academy life). He has an affinity for Greek and Roman history and is adept at reaching his students and eliciting genuine effort and excitement. Sedgewick Bell(Emile Hirsch, who looks like a younger brunette Dicaprio and is known for his role in The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys) is the son of a U.S. Senator who pushes the limits of behavioral and academic standards.
This film focuses on integrity, honor, and other Franklin-esque virtues and how those virtues are acquired (or not) at an early age. The Empreror's Club really doesn't break any new ground for this genre, but is enjoyable and not as trite as you might think. Decent performances, invisible directing, and enough new additions(such as the Mr. Julius Caesar contest) make this a reccomended choice for those who enjoyed Dead Poet's Society, Mr. Holland's Opus, or Pay it Forward.
6/10 B-
11-20-02, 01:03 PM
#3
DVD Talk Legend
I saw it a couple of months ago. My company sent us to a free screening. I really enjoyed it, though I thought the ending (present-day scenes) was kind of weak.
Overall I thought it was good and I really liked the themes and morals.
I think I'd actually give it a B (rather than a B-).
Overall I thought it was good and I really liked the themes and morals.
I think I'd actually give it a B (rather than a B-).
