reviewed by: Rissi C.

      

About three times a year we get to see a decently made television production that airs on local CBS stations and is a Hallmark Hall of Fame production. Front of the Class is the most recent in a string that have included dramas, comedies, even the occasional costume film (and yes, the rare failure). Happily I can report that this too is among the well worth productions that Hallmark has become known for … or at least at my house they have.

Being different seems like it may be a disease for young Brad Cohen, he doesn’t have any friends at school mainly because he cannot control his unexplained shouts or “ticks” as he and his family call them. His parents are divorced and his father cannot seem to understand him which leads twelve-year-old Brad to the assumption that his father is embarrassed because of him while his mother (Patricia Heaton) never stops trying to find a cure for his unexplained behavior. She finds answers in the form of Tourettes Syndrome. Brad’s “constant companion” now has a name. Now, ten years later, Brad (Jimmy Wolk), a recent college grad is now searching for his dream job which is to become a teacher inspired by a former principal. Making a move to Atlanta where his father (Treat Williams) and stepmother now live, Brad finds constant conflicts with his father whom he has never yet repaired his relationship with, despite being surrounded with people who are reminding him to try. In order to ever achieve his dreams, Brad must overcome many an obstacle, but as he learns sometimes the best teacher comes from the most unexpected places.

This did not sound particularly appealing to me when I first read about the newest Hallmark production, but my family generally always watches these, so I decided to watch it regardless and I am pleased to say that once again I was surprised by the depth and magnificent storytelling talents this series has maintained (for the most part) over the years. Inspired by a true story, Front of the Class had the potential to be successful even before it aired this past week since those are normally the better movies out there. Relationships are important whether it’s with family or someone you may want to build your own family with, they are important to maintain. Brad is fortunate enough to be surrounded by many people who love him for who he is not what the disease has made him.

Overcoming his “disability” has not been easy for Brad, especially as a young boy when he did not have any friends’ only dozens of kids who found him a convenient target to make fun off. Brad has two special women in his life that he has been blessed with both in his mother who never stops fighting to find the cause of Brad’s baffling twitches and his stepmother who is genuinely a wonderful lady that cares for her husbands’ children and while it is sad that his parents were divorced at least his father remarried well; while his brother Jeff is wonderfully defensive of his brother. I enjoyed the characters development and the relationships that continued to expand because of that.

Based on a book that I am assuming was taken from the true story, I cannot say how much of this movie is accurate or inaccurate but I can without question recommend this as a truly inspiring film. When I see the Hallmark name associated with a television film, we are assured that it will be reasonably family-appropriate, there are the exceptions, but they mostly provide family friendly entertainment. While Front of the Class is clean, it may be better viewed by adults and older teens who will not only be able to appreciate the film better but maybe take something away from it. A young boy apparently writes profanities on a wall with markers (we never see it), it is said that he has problems with ADHD. Other than that there really aren’t any concerns aside from the thematic elements; Brads Tourettes is of course a huge part of the film, another minor, but important character has a life threatening disease that eventually does take their life.

Veteran actors Williams and Heaton are both superb, but newcomer Jimmy Wolk is the best performer; he gives an excellent portrayal of a real life person. The supporting cast is also excellent including Brad’s students who were all quite good in their roles.  Front of the Class manages to be comedic, challenging and even unexpectedly heartbreaking. The scenes involving Brad teaching are heartwarming and the impact he has on his students are lovely to watch unfold and the way they give back without caring what disabilities he may have are touching and how he learns that no matter what nothing should hold you back is positively thought provoking. If you missed this premiere on TV, try and find this somewhere as it’s well worth seeing. We all can probably learn something from this inspiring film.