TEACHING MRS. TINGLE
Reviewed by: Steve Bender CONTRIBUTOR
FILM CREDITS Starring: Molly Ringwald, Katie Holmes, Helen Mirren, Marisa Lesley, Barry Watson | Director: Kevin Williamson | Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Cathy Konrad | Screenwriters: Kevin Williamson | Released By: Miramax This film appeared somewhat innocent based on the cover description, so we permitted our 14 year old to select it as a rental. It was one of the most morally repulsive films I have ever watched. The lead character, Leigh Ann (Katie Holmes) begins as someone who has earned her class standing through four years of hard work, and now, with only a week before graduation, sees her hopes for college slipping away because of a vindictive Mrs. Tingle (Helen Mirren).
Realizing that they are now in much more trouble than they can handle, they kidnap Mrs. Tingle, tying her to her own bed. To persuade her to not tell, they plan to take incriminating photos of her and Luke, but instead use the school coach, who shows up for a "kinky encounter." While spending the night at the house, Leigh Ann rips open her shirt, then Luke's, then undresses herself to present him with her virginity in front of a fire. In the end, the teacher escapes, and while fighting for her life almost kills another student who comes to the house to complain about her final grade (one that was changed by the criminal trio) to aid Leigh Ann in getting her scholarship. At that moment, the principal arrives. Mrs. Tingle, too upset from having nearly shot a student, can't defend herself against the students' side of the story and is fired by the principal. This movie presents the premise that the end justifies the means no matter what, that we should take what we want when we want it because we want it, that a total lack of respect for elders and for authority is not only desirable, but profitable. Bottom line--Teaching Mrs. Tingle is fit neither for adult nor child.
Year of Release — 1999 [ If our reviews have been helpful to you, please prayerfully consider a donation to help pay the expenses for making this service available to you and your family! Donations are tax-deductible. ] 
Negative -- I was extremely dissappointed with this movie. I took my 10 & 8 year old daughters plus we went with another Mom and her daughter and son. I was angry that the teacher was depicted as an ugly woman who got her way in life by using peoples misfortunes against them to her benefit. If that wasn't bad enought there was violence (that 3 high school students trying to meet graduation quota's) become involved with during a meeting at this teachers home, plus the fact that their was a sexual encounter more explicit than I thought my children should see. I didn't enjoy the film with my children or with my neighbor, and was slightly embarrased with her teenage son sitting beside me. I believe that this movie is not a PG movie for young children. "...takes delight in having a cast of teens torture her [a teacher]... extremely irresponsible and mean spirited... shameless themes of amoral teen empowerment... send dangerous messages." |
