I normally don't watch Hallmark films. Seeing this last night may have changed my outlook on them, though it was too bad it was broadcast after my daughter was in bed. I'd love for her to see it on DVD.

This is the true story of a young man, Brad Cohen, with Tourette syndrome who wants to become a teacher and get his master's degree. It's a very simple story made magical and engaging by the strength of its leading player, James Wolk. I hope to see more of him in other work soon. His ability to capture the helplessness of Tourette's while burning through it with his heart and charm is remarkable.

The story divides its time between Brad's struggles in everyday life with his disorder, attempting to get the teaching position, his relationships with his family, students, and new girlfriend. The script is a bit Hallmark-heavy-handed at times, but it comes with the brand. This *is* a greeting card company, after all.

The supporting cast is wonderful. Sarah Drew is every boy's crush as Brad's new girlfriend. Treat Williams is powerful and sympathetic as Brad's father. I highly recommend this film for great family viewing full of life lessons and love.

Front Of The Class (2008) : Brief Review -

Backed by the great story of Brad Cohen this one make a front of the Classic Heart-touching drama. I have never seen any Hallmark Hall Of Fame TV films yet but I've heard quite mixed reactions about it. Some people say, HHF shows sappy films while some says that they always bring good stories. I don't wanna choose any side because i don't think i will be watching any movie from this club any time soon unless i hear or read something outstanding so, I would rather talk about this flick individually than comparing with other films of the club. I don't know what good or bad films HHF has showed but this one is a Classic! That's a big statement because i use that word only for some real classy stuff. Front Of The Class is a docudrama about the persistency of Brad Cohen Brad who, despite being challenged by Tourette's Syndrome at a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. It shows us that how so called normal people of the society behave abnormally when they meet weirdo, doesn't matter if it has an incurable medical condition. With this film, we learn a lot about life and people's perspective of looking at things, especially the ones with special conditions. But mainly, it is a high-spirited and inspirational drama which will fill your life with hopes and empty all the negative thoughts one has during tough situation. As it says, "It's ok to be weird", then why is it not ok to accept the weird? James Wolk as Adult and Dominic Scott Kay as child Brad Cohen give performances to remember. They handle all the challenging parts with accuracy and make it look natural. Supporting cast fine, screenplay is very good, dialogues are nice and direction is Superb. Overall, it's a Classic emotional and motivational drama which should not be missed. Never let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.

RATING - 8/10*

By - samthebestest.

One common denominator of most films dealing with schoolteachers, they're usually quite good but are totally unrealistic. "Front of the Class" falls into this category.

Marvelously staged with a wonderful cast, the film deals with a young man afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome who wishes to teach.

Based on a true story, the film chronicles the life of Brad Cohen from childhood, where he meets up with unsympathetic teachers. (Naturally, how can they maintain order by having his noises allowed in class?)His father, stoically played by Treat Williams, can't accept the problem and is divorced from mom, Patricia Heaton. Heaton is the diligent mother who researches Tourette's when no one is willing to admit that young Brad is suffering from this illness. Even if they knew, the so called experts don't know how to handle the situation. When Heaton takes Brad to a support group, she quickly pulls him out after hearing a parent saying that schooling these children is a complete waste of time.

Of course, Brad grows up wanting to be a teacher to show that all children can learn and to show that he is the teacher who can accomplish this, while giving the dig that none of his teachers ever understood him. Brad, they may have understood you but they had other children to deal with.

After getting the run-around, Brad finally lands a job teaching 2nd graders when the assistant principal nudges the principal to hire this young man despite his handicap.

Wonderfully, most of the children in the class cooperate while one exceptional child in the class is dying from cancer. Interesting to note that a veteran teacher in the grade "dumped" her most unruly student on Mr. Cohen. Naturally, he is able to handle him because he "understands" him. If only Mr. Cohen came into an urban classroom and saw the realities of the situation.

I guess that Mr. Cohen succeeds because he is the most disruptive influence in the class. The film tries to build bridges and urge cooperation and understanding with people having physical handicaps. If society as a whole were only so tolerant, what a perfect world we'd live in.