7/10
So, did they exactly teach Mrs. Tingle anything?
1 February 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Teaching Mrs. Tingle, this was the movie I saw multiple times on HBO when it was released in 1999 and I couldn't get enough of this movie. I absolutely loved it, I think because I was graduating Jr. high at the time, I actually expected high school to be like this. True, it was a bit far fetched at the time, but still it was a lot of fun to watch. Who didn't fantasize about treating a teacher like this in high school, the one who absolutely gives you a hard time for no reason and just won't lighten up on you? OK, granted I don't think we wanted to play "Mistress of Pain" by tying our teachers up, but still it was a fun idea and this is just a fun movie to watch.

Leigh Ann is a high school student who wants to achieve top grades to become valedictorian. However, her grade in History class is threatened by her sadistic teacher, Mrs. Tingle. Mrs. Tingle has a special dislike for Leigh Ann and down-grades Leigh Ann's well-designed project. The teacher also stumbles upon Leigh Ann with the final exam, which had been stolen and planted in Leigh Ann's backpack without her knowing, and threatens to have her expelled for it. Leigh Ann and her two friends, Luke and Jo Lynn, head to Mrs. Tingle's house that night and try to convince the teacher that Leigh Ann is innocent. Mrs. Tingle, however, does not listen. They try to grab Mrs. Tingle and she is accidentally knocked unconscious. The students panic and tie Mrs. Tingle to her bed. Pretending to be Mrs. Tingle, Jo Lynn calls the school the next morning and feigns illness in order to buy themselves some time, but all are unsure of what they should do next. Mrs. Tingle eventually reveals that she hates Leigh Ann because Leigh Ann has the potential to leave their small town and experience life, but her honesty only furthers her captors' dislike of her. She also opines that Leigh Ann has not got the guts to do anything that will get her in trouble; you know that that's not a good thing to say to the goodie goodie who needs adventure.

While the movie has a bit of an unbelievable plot, it's just a nice escape and a good movie. It was funny, witty and intelligent. I loved Helen Merrin in this movie, she was just awesome as Mrs. Tingle, couldn't have been a better villain and was someone that you just loved to hate. Katie Holmes actually held herself up well and had good chemistry with then hottie of the day Barry Watson. The cast all together had good chemistry. To be honest I'm surprised this movie didn't get much notice after it's release, who knows if it might be a cult classic somewhere down the line, but I think it's a fun movie and if you get the chance to watch it, I'd suggest you take advantage.

7/10
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