I had really looked forward to seeing this movie as i thought the subject matter was great, but I actually hated it - so superficial and banal and ridiculously sentimental and unbelievable. The acting was pretty awful all around but Louise Linton in particular was horrifyingly bad. She was supposedly a counselor for special education students but I thought she was completely unbelievable as an empathetic person. It seemed to me that her image was the most important thing to her and I could almost picture her directing every shot to make sure it highlighted her best profile. I can't believe she calls herself an actress - let's hope we don't see any more of her. Don't waste your time on this piece of fluff.

Mike Kersjes (John Corbett) is the special ed teacher and football coach. Robynn McKinney (Jessy Schram) is his eager new co-teacher. His students run the gamete along the behavioral problem spectrum. He struggles to make the program work and connect with his kids. Kersjes comes up with an idea to shoot for space camp. Camp director Dr. Deborah Barnhart (Cynthia Watros) is initially reluctant.The story is simple. The acting is anchored by a couple of good actors. Some of the kids seem to be played by real handicapped kids and they deliver some real emotional power. The overall story may not be that dramatic but there is plenty of goodness here especially in the little moments.

I stumbled upon this program as I was doing homework for my instructional Strategy for Students at Risk class. I have never reviewed anything for IMDb, but wanted to promote "Moon." I found it particularly true and exciting to see the teacher's revelation (via his wife) to take such a complex curriculum (such as space camp's), and make it work for his class for students with LD (Learning Disabilities). They had one year to prepare for the program, and the co-teachers put together "something" for this purpose. It was totally successful. You can see some differentiated instruction techniques in process. Also, the fact that it is not uncommon for students with LD to have exceptional or significant gifts was reflected. It showed many aspects of the struggles and triumphs of students with LD. I liked how the teachers pushed their students beyond themselves. This movie shows all of us how acceptance, encouragement (and cheer leading), perseverance, and teamwork is accomplished. I'd like to say more, but I don't want to ruin it for you.A Smile as Big as the Moon told us a story. Hallmark did it well, made it believable, and imparted a little vision for all of us. Did you catch it?

The movie, which stars John Corbett, is based on the memoir by teacher Mike Kersjes with Joe Layden in the 1980′s. It gives an inside look into the way one educator empowered special needs students who were often bullied by others to find compassion and respect for everyone.[3] In the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, many of the special-ed students were played by young actors who have Down syndrome, autism and learning disabilities. Space Camp is a competitive education program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Even though it's designed for gifted science students, Mike, a special education teacher and football coach at a Michigan high school, decides participating in the science program would do wonders for the self-esteem of his students – especially Ben, a boy with Down syndrome, who dreams of becoming an astronaut.Aided by fellow teacher Robynn McKinney, Mike faces incredible obstacles in trying to make his dream become reality. School administrators oppose the plan as being too expensive. Space Camp officials are skeptical: They've never had special-ed kids apply before.At long last, Mike and his students are given the green light. And then the real challenges begin, over nine months of rigorous teaching, learning, training and fund-raising. The kids are belittled and in some cases bullied by their fellow classmates, but Mike finds a way to keep them on track. He even convinces the school's football team, his other students, to help them prepare for the intense physical challenges of Space Camp. The class finally leaves for Huntsville, Alabama. Will kids with Down syndrome, Tourette's, learning disabilities and emotional problems be able to leave their baggage behind, coalesce into a team, and compete with some of the brightest students from across the country!