Making the Grade (2004 TV Short) User Reviews

Pretty mediocre

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 27 April 2016]

"Making the Grade" is a 4-minute television short film from over 10 years ago. Writer and director is Corey Smith who was really only 16 or so when he made this movie, but it seems now that he focuses on other areas more than a decade later. Lets be honest here: There is nothing special about this little movie except the inclusion of Hugh Jackman playing a teacher. Jackman, now an Oscar nominee, was already a star back then when he made this film as the X-Men series was fairly popular. But in this brief movie here, his character is not written in a way that allows him to shine. It is about two girls who have the hots for their teacher and still they need to pass an important test. How will they manage? Can they get him attracted to them or will other means have to help? Watch for yourself, but don't expect too much. It is okay taking the director's age into account, but apart from that it is a fairly forgettable work. Thumbs down.

Good On ya Mates..

[angelsbag · 10/10 · 8 July 2004]

I thought it to be a Brilliant film that was made by a young man who showed professionalism status all the way. The whole concept was Breathtakingly fresh. The young actors were exceptional & Hugh definitely gave off his charismatic sex appeal as he always does in his films & in real life. You could feel the connection among all of them involved. It reminded me of my school girl days in high school when we had a hunk for a teacher. Never could any of us birds concentrate on the actual school work that was given to us by him. We'd be off day dreaming about him. This film brought back lasting memories. All in all mates I would go over the 10 rating.

Appealing Short Makes the Grade

[mamaleh483 · 9/10 · 6 July 2004]

Then-high school junior Corey Smith's student film makes the honor roll! In this cute short, a mathematically challenged girl daydreams about her dreamboat teacher (Hugh Jackman) while preparing for an important exam. The twist ending is creative and bespeaks a bright future for the budding auteur. The script was obviously good enough to attract the participation of A-lister action/musical star Hugh Jackman--who was gracious enough to lend his time and talents--and gain the attention of MTV, which premiered it on "Total Request Live." The live audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and deservedly so. Smith was recognized by the New Jersey Student Film Festival for his auspicious debut. I see a Spielbergian future for this up-and-coming filmmaker!

Wonderful short film!

[wolvietat · 10/10 · 5 July 2004]

While the idea behind this story isn't a new one, these film students have given it a fun twist. Hey, who hasn't daydreamed about a teacher at least once in class? I believe they have presented a film that will bring a smile to your face and probable memories of your own teacher crush in school. Under Corey Smith's direction, Hugh Jackman and the actors were comfortable with each other and thus able to present such an entertaining short piece. Corey's ability to work with a well-known star, as well as his fellow students, is obvious and tells me there are great films in his future. I felt the song played during class time was perfect for the theme, and liked the special effects. Also, being able to film in the actual school, instead of a storeroom, made the look of the film more professional.