The director of this melodrama displays the customary tenuous grasp on how chess is played, and the mawkish sentimentality found in many an old school film. The actors do well to deliver the corny lines and represent the saintly kids of the Bronx.Unfortunately I teach chess to kids in a school, voluntarily and not as part of any job, as do many chess teachers: and know that chess is the great underdog of the educational world. Hey, I'd be over the moon if some individual ever bunged in a quid or fiver to support the chess, never mind a few thousand dollars. So this film had me weeping uncontrollably all the way through, and I'd watch it again just to get in touch my emotions.Kids, don't bang down on those clocks you'll break them, and Ted, don't swish the pieces at the and of the games, that would be the chess equivalent of spiking the football at the end of the game. OK, its only a film...sob, sob.

In a time where critical thinking and being able to think "outside the box" are fundamental, this movie give hope to so many who don't have much exposure to things outside their little world. Not everyone in the USA even knows the wonder of your neighborhood library, or of an art / science / history museum, or has even been to a zoo. So many in our country are struggling just to learn to read. It gives hope to see these young children learn to master the game of chess, learn to know that they too can take a stand for what is right, for what they deserve. It also shows how rewarding it is to help show someone the way to a new way of learning, thinking, doing, being...to give hope.

This movie was excellent. I didn't look at anything technical, only how this teacher was there for his students. Teachers need to remember why they wanted to teach. Sometimes the teacher is the only person they can ever go to. Teacher was there for the disappointments and the victories. It is also surprising what a difference it made in his personal life. I know for a fact the encouragement and the negative words stay with someone for there whole life. There should be more teachers like him. All in all I enjoyed that movie. There was drama, love, and for me,tears. I would definitely buy a DVD if there is one made. I would like to comment on Ted Danson, he was superb. Not quite like the man he usually portrays on TV series. thank you

Don't know if what I am writing is a spoiler or not, but just in case...here goes!! Saw this movie tonight on A&E. At first wasn't sure if I was interested with lightweight actor - Ted Danson. I mean what has he done lately? I was more than pleasantly surprised and very happy that I watched this movie. I think that the premise of this story - even though the use of fictitious characters were used, the fact that there really is a teacher of this caliber that took the time with young kids in situations that could take them down the wrong road - well it strengthened my belief in human nature once again! I even think Danson's decision to go naturally with the silver-white hair added to the believability of the character...I think my favorite scene was when Jimmy went to visit his dad. Father and son relating on an equal playing field of a chess board where the dad teaches his son a life lesson. What a powerful statement.Anyway, A&E played it back to back tonight and I couldn't help but watch it twice.Excellent choice for family viewing. We need more movies like this that emphasize that even those in dire straits can find a lifeline if they just stop and think before flailing in knee-deep water.I applaud teacher David MacEnulty for teaching us all a lesson in life!