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A feel-good story brought to life by a terrific ensemble cast, Mr. Holland's Opus plucks the heartstrings without shame -- and with undeniable skill.
All Critics (28) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (7)
This idealized tribute to a charismatic teacher who devotes himself to music appreciation has the same old-fashioned texture and sticky sentimentality as Goodbye Mr. Chips (of 1939), but Dreyfuss gives an effective, surprisingly restrained performance Jan 29, 2007 | Rating: B-
This idealized tribute to a charismatic teacher who devotes himself to music appreciation has the same old-fashioned texture and sticky sentimentality as Goodbye Mr. Chips (of 1939), but Dreyfuss gives an effective, surprisingly restrained performance
Emanuel Levy
An overwrought Disney weeper. Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/4
An overwrought Disney weeper.
Mike Clark
Though Patrick Sheane Duncan's screenplay goes in various directions and never develops a cohesive narrative, Herek keeps the story rolling along. May 30, 2018 | Full Review…
Though Patrick Sheane Duncan's screenplay goes in various directions and never develops a cohesive narrative, Herek keeps the story rolling along.
Malcolm Johnson
Holland may have been a failed composer, but he's a master at playing the heartstrings. Apr 21, 2006 | Rating: 3/5
Holland may have been a failed composer, but he's a master at playing the heartstrings.
Rob Thomas
A touching, uplifting and life-affirming winner that makes it hard to avoid leaving the theater teary-eyed, with a lump in your throat. Jan 23, 2006 | Rating: 9/10
A touching, uplifting and life-affirming winner that makes it hard to avoid leaving the theater teary-eyed, with a lump in your throat.
Chuck O'Leary
Who knew the director of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead was capable of making a profoundly moving drama? Sep 10, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Who knew the director of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead was capable of making a profoundly moving drama?
Michael Dequina
One of Dreyfuss' best performances EVER. Apr 22, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
One of Dreyfuss' best performances EVER.
Michael A. Smith
Doesn't hold up. The schmaltz doesn't work. What does "Play the sun" mean? Jul 14, 2003 | Rating: 2/5
Doesn't hold up. The schmaltz doesn't work. What does "Play the sun" mean?
Fred Topel
Yea, it is filled with cliches, but it still is an engaging outing. Mar 21, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
Yea, it is filled with cliches, but it still is an engaging outing.
Bob Bloom
'Mr. Holland's Boring Cliche' Feb 23, 2003 | Rating: 1/5
'Mr. Holland's Boring Cliche'
Alex Sandell
Extraordinary movie about how a job can be transformed into a soul-satisfying vocation. Aug 21, 2002 | Full Review…
Extraordinary movie about how a job can be transformed into a soul-satisfying vocation.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
This is a great movie. I love it! I wish I had Mr. Holland as my music teacher :) So inspirational!
Super Reviewer
It's a sweet film about the sacrifices one must make. Richard Dreyfuss remains one of our more underrated actors.
As much as I like this film and, more specifically, like the performance of Richard Dreyfuss, there is one moment that absolutely makes my skin crawl. When Mr. Holland accompanies one of his students to the bus station as she leaves to pursue a music career in New York, he kisses her right smack dab on the lips! No, no, no, no, and hell no. A high school teacher does not and should not do that. If he does he should never teach again. Period. I don't care if he is having a midlife crisis. That's so very, very wrong.
At times mawkish and overly sentimental but still compulsively watchable. Dreyfuss gives a terrific performance aided by a cast who don't hit a wrong step. Of special note is a lovely cameo by Olympia Dukakis and a warm and wonderful turn from Glenne Headly in what could have been a thankless wife role but she makes it an essential part of the films success.
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