Very entertaining in a Rocky kind of way

Rating: 10/10 (10 April 2015)

I rented this movie on Wednesday and loved it. I find myself still thinking about it two days later. JK Simmons played a character who was the last of a dying breed; someone who isn't afraid to use intimidation (both physical and mental) to get the most out of kids. Everyone ends up hating him, but everyone is better at what they do because of him.
I think the reason I liked this movie so much was I remember teachers like this. In fact, I remember a band director like this when I was in middle-school. He threw a music stand at a student and once drove his vehicle onto the playground during recess to target and follow one of the students he was mad at. I don't condone that and wouldn't accept that behavior from a teacher that was directed at my kids, but I also can't deny that we were all on the top of our game when it came to band time.
Today's educators are more approachable and have more coach-able moments, but most kids also don't take the teachers or their work seriously, and there are few consequences for poor work. Somewhere between the JK Simmons character and today's PC environment around kids is the right person and attitude for the job. Someone who can both inspire the kids to do their best, and also be approachable.
Great movie, drumming, and music that went along well with some great performances by JK Simmons and Miles Teller.