Recess: School's Out

Plot synopsis:
School's out at Third Street School, but T.J. is unhappy, because his friends are all at summer camps. T.J. notices that there's something going on at the school. He sneaks inside to see a tractor beam levitating a safe. Panicked, he tries to tell his parents and the police, but no one believes him. When he gets Principal Prickly to come to see what's going on, he is dematerialized. T.J. uses his sister Becky's diary to blackmail her into driving to all the camps to pick his friends up.
T.J. and his friends steal a box of documents, but when they find it filled with boring information, they accuse him of inventing a plot to bring them back. They are about to head back to camp when they see the tractor beam come out of the school and shoot out a green laser and agree that something is going on. The next day, T.J. finds Pricky's golf pants in a dumpster, so T.J. and his friends infiltrate the school at night to find Prickly. While there, they are caught spying and flee. T.J. is captured and his put in a storage room where Prickly is tied up. A man named Dr. Phillium Benedict comes in to talk to them.
After Benedict leaves, Prickly relates how, back in the spring of 1968, Benedict became principal of Third Street School and moved to abolish recess to improve test grades. Prickly went to the superintendent as a means of recourse. The superintendent demoted Benedict and promoted Prickly to principal. Benedict jumped to the conclusion that Prickly threw him under the bus to take his job, which, along with his anti-recess views, caused his then-girlfriend, Muriel P. Finster to break up with him. Infuriated, Benedict ended his friendship with Prickly, quit teaching, and swore revenge on his now-former friend. Later, Prickly says, Benedict went on to become Secretary of Education but was fired when he tried to abolish recess nationwide.
T.J. and Prickly escape, but are caught again. Beforehand, T.J. uses his walkie-talkie (in Prickly's drawer) to tells his friends about Benedict's plans to destroy summer vacation. T.J.'s friends go through the box of documents again. Spinelli finds a date book that says lunar perigee on it; Gretchen deduces that Benedict is trying to move the moon's orbit via tractor beam when it is closest to the Earth. Benedict reveals to T.J. and Prickly that his plan is to make create a permanent a winter so kids will spend their summers studying instead of playing.
T.J.'s friends get his sister, Becky, to drive to the camps again, where they pick up all the children. Gus draws up the plans to attack the school. T.J. and Prickly escape the cage that Benedict has imprisoned them in. Gus' plan works, and most of the guards and ninjas are knocked out. All the kids pour into the auditorium. Another set of guards protects Benedict as he prepares to pull the lever. However, Muriel P. Finster arrives. After rejecting Benedict again, she brings the teachers in and a fight breaks out. Prickly punches Benedict, but as Benedict slumps, he triggers the beam and Prickly cannot reverse it. T.J. tosses his baseball to Vince, whose accurate arm destroys the machine. The police arrest Benedict and his cronies for theft, breaking and entering, and attempted terrorism.
T.J.'s friends decide to spend the rest of the summer with him stating that they have plenty of time preparing for their futures and only a little time left for being kids. Before they head to the pond, T.J. thanks Prickly for helping him stop Benedict's plan to destroy summer vacation. Prickly states that he should be the one doing the thanking. The whole entire time, Prickly forgot the real reason why he decided to go into teaching: he wanted to help kids, and T.J.'s attempt to stop Benedict's plan helped Prickly remember. T.J. then heads to the pond, Prickly then shouts at T.J. that when September comes, T.J. will be Prickly's student again, as he hasn't forgotten the "saggy butt" comment, but then T.J. shouts back that September is a long way off. The film ends with T.J. and his friends racing to the pond with Prickly looking on and smiling.

Tags: revenge, psychedelic, flashback

Review:
If you like Recess on TV you'll LOVE the movie..
Recess the TV show is about kids having fun, and teachers being teachers (good and bad).
There's good character development and personality variation on the small screen and it carries well to the big screen.The movie puts the kids in the role of spies who need to break INTO school to save their lifestyle.
Along the way, there are great 60's flashback scenes and songs, lots of funny spy movie cliches including the mob-scene climax.The characters are caricatures but it IS a cartoon after all.
There's good voice casting (including James Wood, Melissa Joan Hart and a great sounding Robert Goulet).
The plot is complicated (and just a little goofy), but my 8 and 10 year old had no trouble following the action.There are good messages about friendship, respect, integrity, duty, but these aren't done in a preachy way.The animation quality is variable.
There are some great 3d zoom-sweeps, but for part of the movie the characters look like they've been singed.
I really liked the TV series - i used to watch every episode on the Disney Channel,But i don't think the movie is quite as good as the series:For instance The writers are used to coming up with 10 minute stories, but with the movie it seems like a 10 min episode streched out to 80 minutes so i'ts not as good as i would have hoped, but the acting is still superb and very convincing.
On the good side it's got a really cool story even if it could have been done in half the time & JAMES WOODS (his voice anyway) is really good as the bad guy.
It has really cool 60's songs towards the end of the movie.all in all a really good movie which will delight kids and adults alike,just a shame it's not as good as the seriesmy rating 10/10 for pure enjoyment.
I love the film and thought it has everything a perfect film needs.The action,the comedy and everything else that makes the actual movie great.Rickey D'sh on Collins,Ashley Johnson,Paul Willson,Jason Davis,Andrew Lawrence,Courtland Mead,Pamella Segall,Dabney Coleman, April Winchell were perfect as the voices of the characters and so was everyone else that was involved with the movie.I love watching the cartoons on T.V. and don't really think that they are for little kids.Recess schools out shows the story about 6 school friends who find out some strange goings in their school and save it from bad guys who are trying to get rid of summer vacation..
School's Out. If you like the cartoon series, you'll love the film.
Featuring the voices of Andrew Lawrence, Rickey Collins, Pam Seagal, Dabney Coleman and James Woods as his greatest Disney villain since Hercules kicked his Hades' fanny, Recess; School's Out immortalized the children of Third Street School to icons of movie magic.
Do yourselves a favor, Recess fans, get off your fat, saggin' butts and WATCH THIS FILM!
I wasn't introduced to the series till around 2004 or 2005, so when the film came out in 2001 I had no interest in seeing it because, well, I didn't know what it was.It wasn't until about six months of watching the show I finally found Recess: School's Out and watched it.
Back then, I thought it was one of the greatest animated movies of all time.
I hesitate to watch old animated films I adored as a kid and some films like Fools Rush In which was a kid favorite of mine because I fear of tarnishing my memories of those movies.
T.J. Detweiller's forth grade year comes to an end and he has plans of riding bikes, camping out, and just hanging out with his five friends Mikey, Spinelli, Gretchen, Gus, and Vince.
Only problem; they are all going to some sort of camp for most of the summer leaving T.J. secluded.T.J. spends his first days of summer riding his bike and moping, like any kid with no friends over the summer would do.
There is a giant laser beam, satellite monstrosity inside of it and when he goes to the principal for help, the principal is dematerialized right before his eyes after trying to unlock the front door.It turns out, that Dr. Phillium Benedict, former principal of the school, is trying to realign the moon to make a "year round winter" so summer vacation will be obsolete.
I can understand if a kid comes in saying "people are in a school with a laser beam" and the cops not believe him.
In order for this plot to work, half the town has to be a bunch of unaware nitwits.And for a kids movie, it doesn't really have any attract factor for adults.
Some scenes in this film like the scene of T.J. riding his bike with One is the Loneliest Number and the end credits with the whole Recess gang covering My Green Tambourine was actually the most favorable parts of the movie.
This could've easily been a TV movie, but maybe Recess deserved a film adaptation to the big screen.
...I had never thought Disney could redeem themselves after movies like "Tarzan" and "Mulan" until I seen this classic.
I loved this movie, and I'm a teen who hates most cartoons.There is nothing about this movie that isn't funny, from Robert Goulet making a 'cameo' as character Mikey's singing voice to all the overdone teen cliches in character T.J.'s older sister Becky (Mellissa Joan Hart).
This movie never even tries to be overly-dramatic as most other Disney movies, it's just straight, top of the line fun.Without a doubt the greatest thing going for this movie is James Woods as the Dr. Evil type villain, pulling all the cliches of the James Bond bad guys.
That's the great thing about Recess, it basically uses cliches, but makes fun of them too.Hilarious movie, 8/10..
Recess:School's Out is one of the biggest surprises I had recently while watching films, for I found it bright, colourful and very entertaining.
Yes, it's a kids' movies, but adults will like some of the voice actors and the music.
The music is great, and Mike has a remarkably good singing voice.
I really like the T.V. series "?Recess", so I decided to check out the movie.
And to be honest, even if you aren't a fan of the show, or haven't seen any episodes, this movie is still good enough for you to enjoy.
I vaguely remember seeing Recess: School's Out in theaters when I was a little kid.
Many years later, I get a chance to watch the movie from my adult eyes.
On the whole, the film is not a bad movie.
I liked the story and the characters of the film.
The animation is quite shoddy and some of the dialog is not entirely effective.This film is about a bunch of kids who are out on summer vacation.
Overall, Recess: School's Out is a pleasant diversion for families and especially the young ones.
It's nowhere near the best of animated movies and it does have some faults, but there is no denying the charm of the film.
This is the work of the insidious Ex-Principal of Third Street, Phillium Benedict and his gang of Ninjas and Secret Service Look-alikes, and they're planning to use their newly acquired laser (which they stole from a US Military Base) to move the moon and alter the weather, creating permanent winter, not only destroying summer, but also Summer Vacation!
i think it's a good movie i don't know why every time i watch that movie i get sad i guess it's cause where all growing up so fast & when you see kids playing your thinking man those kids have great lives & then there going to watch other kids grow up when there old, the movie makes me really sad i mean where all old we can't have adventures any more those kids you see there going 2 have adventures till they grow up so we all look back at when were kids then u might cry there were good times as a kid or bad times as a kid i wish i was a kid again oh i would love it lots of people would i mean you have more energy & you will still have you pet living i think this movie is good it kinda shows kids about growing up & how you should be happy your a kid they might think being a kid stinks but there wrong so very wrong i give this movie 10/10.
Fans of the Show Will Love It. The animation is exactly that of the show, which I believe is a good move, to often is the animation of a show and the movie for it different and I believe it detracts from the artistic vision.
The old school popular music that they infused into this movie is great, Three Dog Night's One, and the Born to be Wild by Steppinwolf perfectly fit into the movie and are bound to set children down the path of good music.
Like I said if you a fan of the TV series than you'll love this movie, it gives the feel of just a really long episode the only thing differing is the addition of good music which I always look for in a movie..
So, If you watch "Hey Arnold!," you should know who they are in this movie.Here are the main voices for "Recess": Andrew Lawrence- T.J.; Rickey Collins- Vince; Ashley Johnson- Gretchen; Courtland Mead- Gus; Jason Davis- Mikey; Pamela Segall- SpinelliThe cast of "Hey Arnold!": Dan Castallenta- Arnold's Grandpa; Toran Caudell- original Arnold voice; Anndi McAfee- Phoebe; Francesca Smith- HelgaThe point is, the film is awesome!
Everyone enjoyed the film, from kid to adult.While the animation was certainly primative in comparison to most Disney animation, the story kept moving with no real let up.
After watching the TV series, my children were amused to see each character involved in a mystery plot on the big screen.
It's great to see a good movie rated "G" that still entertains both the young and the older audiences.
Recess the movie appealed to my family on several different levels.
Recess shows that a movie can convey separate but equally important ideas to both the adults and children without coming off as preachy or sappy in the process.
I don't like most Disney movies but this one reminded me so much of my life in grade school that I had to laugh at myself.Plus, the music that was included was not the same drowned out music you're used to hearing in other movies and the placement of the songs were as perfect as you could get.Go...See this movie again and again, you will not be disappointed!.
So he investigates and finds that some secret organization is planning out plans involving tractor beams and weather.This is a task far too big for DJ so he gets his friends for backup to stop this organization.Recess the Movie is one of those films that's only good to see once or so.It has some laughs here and there but not a highly great movie.I saw most of the TV series till I lost interest in it.
No offense to those who admire it.BUT YOU NEED TO BE A FAN OF RECESS TO ENJOY THIS MOVIE!.
It has a pretty basic story of fiend who is trying to get rid of summer vacation and the kids and other various people who have to stop him, but it is a good time.
Anyway, the show had great adventures each show and there was no on-going plot that you needed to follow and therefor kids could watch any time and not be lost with what's going on.
A funny animated cartoon film!.
T.J was a very funny character and I like the animation.
OK, it's not the best animation Disney have ever done and it probably relies on a knowledge of the original Recess cartoons, but really it is an enjoyable enough film with lots of laughs along the way.It tells a good story and James Woods is great as the bad guy.
Watching it now as an adult I can spot the jokes aimed at adults and compared to most of the twaddle that is made in terms of kids films these days, Recess;school's out is a pleasant and appealing change.So if you're looking for a fun family film I wouldn't hesitate to try to hunt down a copy of this one..
Recess: School's Out makes you feel like you're watching a straight to DVD or TV Movie.The film was going to be straight to video, but somehow got a theatrical release.
The animation does gets dodgy at times, They characters looked like they were drawn in a very rushed way.
That would've been better.Also, the whole thing about kids telling the police something and they don't believe them and just laugh at them is such a cliché.Still, I didn't hate the film.
I liked the kids' rebellion against the government, James Woods' villain is amusing, there's some good gags here and now and it is a love letter to Summer holidays.The "Green Tambourine" song was good as well.They should have considered making this film a theatrical release, so that it would look better.
Maybe they should have made the movie look like the trailer.
if you want a movie that both kids and adults will enjoy,this is the movie for you.it's a cartoon based on the Recess TV show.it has jokes and references both kids and adults will understand,and some that only kids will get,others only adults will get.but the main thing is,it's immensely entertaining.it's very funny at times,with some slapstick and some funny dialogue.it also has interesting characters.plus the story is good.it's easy enough for kids to follow,and not so simple that adults will be disinterested.it also (without hitting anyone over the head)shows the value of working together to solve a problem.it's definitely family friendly with nothing that should be considered offensive,but it does have a bit of rude humour.for me,just out of sheer entertainment value,i give Recess:School's Out a 10/10.
Amusing and entertaining big-screen adaptation of the cult Saturday morning cartoon show featuring a band of school kids whose recesses seem to last hours and hours.A TV show entirely based around school recess may seem silly, but the movie is just as strangely entertaining as the show.James Woods and Andrew Lawrence provide voice talents..
I love recess and I enjoy watching the show with my son.
We recently brought the movie and he really likes the movie but about the 10th time in a row he said Mom don't the Police helps when the bad guys are after you?
But over I I like the movie however I can't rate this a 6 or higher in honor of my six year old who now ask 21 questions about Police all over again..
Now, 9 months after my study of cartoons, my dad asked me to bring my stepsister to see Recess: School's Out.
We deserve more movies like Recess: School's Out and The Emperor's New Groove..
Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere's "Recess" cartoon shorts, which ran on ABC when the Walt Disney Company first bought the network and transformed the entire children's programming department, were exaggerations of how many kids see life on the school playground.
Since the series ran long enough, and seemed relatively popular, it should be no surprise that Disney would end it with a movie, whether it's a feature film or a made-for-television movie.
While it's intended audience might not be able to relate to a soundtrack of wall-to-wall classic rock, the story itself is much easier for both kids and their parents to relate to.*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* T.J. Detweiller is as happy as anybody else at 3rd Street Elementary School that school is out for summer, because he thinks it's going to mean a couple of months of fun with his friends.
And only when the other kids see what looks like a huge laser beam coming out of their school auditorium do they decide to break in and stop whatever IS going on.
Flaws like this aside, not to mention a gimmicky CGI beginning and ending, don't detract from the fact that this is a movie that warms the heart a little as it tries to cash in on the success of a then existing cartoon series..
It would never happen in real life, but the fantasy of this film shows that people actually wanted to make this film, rather than having to make it just to satisfy all Recess fans.
This film really helped develop on the characters from the original show - all of TJ's gang actually showing some ambitions in life (eg.
More cartoon big screen adaptations should be like this - this felt not like one overlong episode, but a proper movie in its own right.
Recess:  School's Out is an excellent movie.
For example (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!!!)the characters are represented by school children of various ages starting with elementary kids (including kindergarteners), up to highschoolers.
The group of main characters are best friends with varied interest-a brain, a jock, a tomboy, a military type, a sensitive type who likes singing, and the all around typical kid type, who loves to be with all of his friends.The overall theme of the movie is one that relates to anyone:  It tells kids to enjoy their childhoood, and reminds adults about the magic of their own past childhood.I recommend this movie to anyone of the ages three to 103!!!.
I used to like this movie, but when i tried to watch it today, i could only sit still for half of it!
Recess: School's Out (2001): Dir: Chuck Sheetz / Voices: James Woods, Dabney Coleman, Andy Lawrence, Melissa Joan Hart, Peter MacNicol: Based on the Saturday morning cartoon about the reckless boys of the school ground.
James Wood voices Dr. Benedict wishes to take over the elementary school.