You Just Signed Your Expulsion Papers, Nuwanda

Yes, throughout my movie watching career the Dead Poets Society had always escaped my grasp. I was in the mood to watch movies this weekend, and so I picked up Minority Report to ease my way into motion picture entertainment. I knew DPS would be a heavy movie so I didn't want to start with it.

This is a great film! I really enjoyed Robin Williams, and I'm wondering if he's even capable of playing a part that doesn't include him making some sort of silly voice. Kind of like Jim Carey only a much better actor. The best part is the way his character makes you feel. I'm going to guess that the majority of the people who have ever watched DPS probably felt the same way about English (poetry really) as the young boys first did in the movie...that it is corney and weird and just something to study and get out of the way -- and on to the important topics. However, Keating makes you want to huddle up with him in his unorthodox class and hear the secrets of poetry and language. He makes what he teaches seem like the most important thing you could learn. This is how I wanted every teacher I ever had to teach like.

Another person I want to mention is Kurtwood Smith. He plays Niel Perry's father. I think anytime you see this guy in a movie he is going to play the hard-nosed, unforgiving, un-compassionate, authority figure. He plays the part so well, you immediately don't like him as soon as you see him. He is completely against his son doing anything creative or off of the track for medical school, and within the first few min of the movie, you know he's going to be trouble. In fact, there is a bit of tension that rides the entire film. They boys are learning, changing, becoming more passionate, and joy-filled...but we all know that it can't last forever and that no movie is going to let them get away with all of that without some great conflict. I won't spoil anything though in case someone else out there hasn't seen the movie yet.

Anyway, I recommend this film as one to watch by yourself. This isn't a party movie, and it certainly isn't something you watch with a nice date. It's one of those movies you watch when you can sit and enjoy a good cup of coffee and devote your mind to the ideas taught in John Keating's classroom. You will enjoy the inspiration and you will contemplate these things for days to come, I'm sure.

Seize the day. :)