Rating: 
Summary: 'They used to call me stupid kid'
Review: A memorable line from a very solid story and great production. This was probably the second or third best movie at the Sedona international film festival. Genius is straight to the point, clear cut and keeps you on the edge of your seat from its beautifully photographed beginning to its spirited ending. It is about a dignified black boy and the relationship he develops with his unlikeable teacher. But nothing is what it seems. Until the dramatic twist at the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Best ending this year.
Review: A spectacular ending to an unspectacular movie. The ending sent electric tingles down my spine.
Rating:
Summary: sometimes stupid
Review: but often brilliant, touching and classy. The writer seems to be toying with us jumping from 'American Pie' type antics to 'Good will hunting' seriousness in a heart beat. What's surprising is that it works for this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless
Review: Classic storytelling. The lead character must
face up to deal with a trivial challenge and
in doing so they must confront their own fears.
The scenary and music complement each stage
of their journey. This movie was a surprising
find at Sedona.
Rating:
Summary: clever first time script
Review: Despite its slow pace in the beginning this movie is a classic 'how to write a first script'. A senior in highschool can only date his dream girl if he becomes smart. The only person who can help him is his teacher with no self esteem for herself or respect for others. A generic story with a fresh spin makes the premises of genius. Twists and turns are placed so that every time we anticipate a certain direction we're pitched a curve ball. The locations are used cleverly. The same few locations are used again and again without us being aware of it. Every character has a specific purpose to the story. And they all play vital roles in influencing the two lead actors' character arcs. Special effects are used sparingly but at vital turning points in the story. The end twist may be original but we can almost expect something of this nature is going to hit us. 'El Mariachi' and 'Reservoir Dogs' are two must read scripts for all first time writers and producers. They show us how a good story can be told with minumum resources. This one falls in that category. The only trick these guys pull off is that they end up making their flick look like a stylish Hollywood movie.
Rating:
Summary: Upwards
Review: Horrible acting and magnificent photography lead us to one of the most explosive endings to a movie ever filmed.
Rating:
Summary: Paradoxes
Review: I can never understand why someone would want to make the effort to sit down and write a review. But this movie deserves it.
The acting is horrible. There are some nice moments but that's at it's best. But now this is the strange part - this is one of the most gorgeously photographed independent movies you will ever see. The opening scenes of Manhattan and the river have an intoxicating effect. Like if a hypnotist instantly says "relax". If you could paint images with a camera this is as close as you'd get. And the music is so soothing that if you closed your eyes for two hours you'd still enjoy the movie. I didn't know whether to hate this movie because of the acting or fall in love with it because of its beauty. I'm feeling generous today...
Rating:
Summary: A smart, well made independent film
Review: I caught this film at the New York Independent Film Festival last year and remember it as being one of the best films there. It deals intelligently and honestly with a story of an inner city kid with a learning disability without lecturing us about the problem. The film is entertaining and unpredictable while remaining educational and thought provoking. A good buy.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful
Review: I could not imagine anyone could make Manhattan look so beautiful. This movie makes Amelie look dull. Scene after scene is a joy to look at. It is wonderful to see that the producers have taken time to think about and carefully lay out the story so visually. The story itself is touching and contemplative. Unfortunately the perfomances at times were just too ordinary, which prevents me from giving it a perfect five.
Rating:
Summary: Professionally done
Review: I first viewed this at Sedona Film Festival after hearing about it on the radio. I saw the movie's importance in not only how it's possible to reach students, but also to expect the unexpected, and to never forget how powerful a role model a teacher is. As an educator, I recommend it along with Dead Poets Society.
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