Dead Poets Society * FIRST TIME WATCHING * reaction & commentary * Millennial Movie Monday

[@ts25679]

It wasn't "Just because of a play!" it was his right to self-determination. To pursue his passions, make mistakes, learn and grow. His father denied everything that made him an individual with his own hopes and dreams for his own ego.

[@jeanpaulmedellin]

A long time ago I had a friend in a similar situation, his father controlled everything in his life: what sports he practiced, what he would study, what does in his spare time, who can he meet as friends, and so on. Fortunately, he had an uncle that had a long talk/fight with his dad about what he was doing, and his dad changed. It took a while, but things changed, and last I saw my friend he was studying a career he loved, and made a weekend tradition to watch football games with his dad, and they grew really close.

[@RaefonB]

It's okay, Ashleigh clearly gets it by the end. :) But that reminded me of the Friends episode where that thief lady becomes Monica's new pal, inspiring her to try new things, and she mentions this movie, and clearly doesn't get the full message. Fake Monica: I used to be just like you. And then one day I saw a movie that changed my life. Did you ever see Dead Poets' Society? Monica: Uh-huh. Fake Monica: I thought that movie was so...incredibly... boring. I mean, that thing at the end where the kid kills himself because he can't be in the play? What was that?! It's like, kid, wait a year, leave home, do some community theatre. I walked out of there and I thought, 'Now, that's two hours of my life that I'm never getting back'. And that thought scared me more than all the other crap I was afraid to do. Monica: Wow. Then I would definitely not recommend Mrs. Doubtfire.

[@TheDetailsMatter]

Even when his father gave him the opportunity to speak his piece, even then it was under restrictions. Tell me what you feel! But it had better not be any more of this poetry nonsense.

[@justinm4497]

it's crazy how parent's do that, especially since they already had the chance to grow up and should know better.

[@isabelsilva62023]

Quite so, that was definitely not the first time his father did something like that, it takes a pattern for him to choose suicide.

[@airborngrmp1]

Peter Weir directed this in chronological order so the kids would develop chemistry and friendship as the film progresses. When Neil died he had the actor just leave in the middle of production without saying goodbye to the rest of the boys so they'd feel the loss more keenly. Brilliant directing.

[@danip3270]

I knew it was filmed chronologically, but didn’t know he had RSL leave like that. Was it in the commentary? This came out when I was 16, a sophomore in high school. I saw it at the theater. It shook me then, and still breaks my heart now. I loved them all, but watching RSL lie to Robin Williams about his dad’s approval always makes me cry. RSL was so exceptional in this. 🥺

[@Red84Fox]

This movie just hits differently. When Robin Williams died, Jimmy Fallon did a whole tribute on his show and ended it by getting up on his desk and saying “o captain, my captain” and I broke out in tears. I also highly suggest Good Will Hunting. And Good Morning, Vietnam. I’m also a sucker for Hook.

[@MsWaif]

I really enjoy Hook too, would be a good one for the holidays. Not technically a Christmas movie but it takes place at that time of year. Robin is just so good in it, he really was one-of-a-kind.

[@daviddemeuse5660]

I love and adore hook!

[@Crimsonphotog]

Agree with these recomendations I really Hope Ashleigh gives them a try!.

[@bLuGhOsT_]

Hook hook hook hook!

[@lbh002]

Good Will Hunting!

[@ThisIsMyFullName]

This was the beginning of Ethan Hawk, one of the most original actors we have. Seriously, you can watch most of his filmography and not be disappointed.

[@BrianNIL]

He might be my favorite actor, just because most of what he's in is consistently good to great. "Predestination" is a little known mind bender that might be my favorite sci fi movie.

[@IanHollis]

Does EXPLORERS mean nothing to you!?

[@Rmlohner]

A few years ago, Ethan Hawke talked about showing his son this movie for the first time, where he was so unrecognizable in his younger years that an hour in, his son asked "So when do you come in?" After pointing himself out, his son went on, "Oh yeah, the crooked teeth."

[@Serenity113]

That was the same interview where he talked about how Robin Williams got him his first agent after working with him in this movie. 🙂

[@Peter-oh3hc]

@@Serenity113 love that story. Thank you for a better comment than I would have wrtten

[@etherealtb6021]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Ozefan2580]

@@Serenity113 Was that on Graham Norton? I saw the same interview, but cannot place where...

[@heathercraig8902]

I think this movie and Ethan Hawke are why there are so many Ethans around these days.

[@kschneyer]

When my son was in high-school English, his teacher asked the class whether any of them had seen Dead Poets' Society. Without missing a beat, my kid got up on his chair and said, "O Captain, my captain!" This story took place at a preparatory school (in shorthand, "prep school"), private (& typically expensive) schools where kids (originally only boys) are prepared for college. They were sometimes boarding schools, sometimes day schools, and (in the case of the one where I went) a mixture of both. They were often self-consciously modeled after the British "public" (actually private) schools such as Eton, Harrow, Rugby, etc. There is a whole subgenre of literature and film devoted to prep schools, including the novels of John Irving; A Catcher in the Rye; etc. (Fun fact: John Irving's son Colin appeared in this film too.) In addition to Robert Sean Leonard's first film, it was also Ethan Hawke's first film. Hawke, of course, went on to become one of the greatest actors of his generation, including in Shakespeare. If you haven't already seen Robin Williams's Oscar-winning performance in Good Will Hunting, you must, must, must. Sooooo happy that you're starting Lord of the Rings! I can't wait to hear what you think. I too have a degree in theater. :) Ultimately became a writer, though. :) Love your hair today, BTW.

[@TBCreek]

The physical school in the movie is a real school located in northern Delaware

[@timschwartz5]

Before this, Ethan Hawk starred in the movie Explorers with River Phoenix…

[@TheDaringPastry1313]

His passion in life was acting, his dad was about to send him away to a military school for 10 years. His life was over and he basically had his soul sucked out of him. It wasn't just because of the play, it was about his dreams to do what he loved. Also, Todd finds his voice, his YAWP in Neil's death while out in the snow. It is his name that gives him his voice.

[@LCCWPresents]

I went to an acting class at Somona university looking at colleges (or one of the California universities) and the knall scene reminds me of an acting exercise I participated in where you would knall like a baby while walking around the room. I feel like robin williams acting school experience came out the most in this film in its classroom format.

[@mattwilkes2321]

Wouldn't he have been 18 in like a year or two? He's not being sent to jail.

[@SylvainThuret]

Never saw it this way thank you. I watched the scenes added for television and the laserdiscs on YT. One is cruelly missing from the cut we know: Neil & Todd bantering about shakespeare over the pond. It gives even more meaning to Todd running to the pond crying his friend's name.

[@fairamir1]

Well actually Neil could have just left his family. If I were Neil they never would have gotten me to go to a military school.

[@howardbalaban7051]

FYI: Calling collect means dialing "the operator" and having the person you're calling accept the charges for the call. It's how things used to be. It's a chuckle-worthy line, for sure.

[@etherealtb6021]

We did it to our mommies and daddies all of the time!

[@jeanine6328]

It’s crazy how many things this generation will never experience. I mean, how many would go back and forth to the TV to change the channel? I use to be the remote control. I had to flip channels until I landed on one my dad liked. 🙄

[@resdyadarkwatch8588]

And we all were masters at calling home collect with the name "Heymomwearegoingtomikeshouseandiwillcallyoulater"...

[@CoastalNomad]

@@resdyadarkwatch8588 "I Decline the Chages".......

[@etherealtb6021]

@@resdyadarkwatch8588 Lol. I would even charge collect calls I was making to my friends to my mom in college! 🤣

[@seeker8097]

I’d say Neil killed himself because his life is not his own. And he knows it never will be. (Also, I think he feels his dad doesn’t really love him; he just loves an idea of him.) The thing with his dad and the play is just the last straw in a lifetime of control. Edit: Came back to say I liked your synopsis at the end, and I’m glad you liked the movie. It’s one of my favorites.

[@leebarbarah8794]

It would've been his entire school day's ( he even went to summer school he basically lives at the school ) he'll never have a say in his career

[@josephpasternack2371]

The symbolism during the scene is amazing too. The thorn crown casts tears over his eyes. As he walks past the school gates the angle shot shows crosses over his head. Its a truely breathtaking scene. Don't feel bad for not talking during it.

[@caffeineadvocate]

"Sometimes I get re-sad about Robin Williams." Trust me, you aren't alone.

[@leebarbarah8794]

Ashley will love RW in Good Will Hunting movie 🎯🎯🌒🌒💯💥

[@HandleTakenlol]

R.I.P. Pan the Man

[@MrSmokingfrog1]

R.I.P. Island Jack. Club Paradise (87).

[@raydonahue1978]

Rest in Peace Popeye.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

it will never not hurt.......

[@Matrim42]

“All this because of a play?” No, all this because of his lack of agency. He did the one thing he felt he had control over.

[@TBCreek]

Yes, his father was overly smothering but it actually was only until he turned 18- an adult- and he could have run off to act all he wished or was able.

[@sexysadie2901]

@@TBCreek Back in the day it was at 21.

[@alfieshanks6555]

Typical girls. They don’t understand the pressure and strength that comes with being a man. I don’t know why she acted so surprised… as soon as I saw him put that crown of thorns on his head I knew what was about to go down because I can relate

[@samhunt6300]

@@alfieshanks6555 oh you donkey it has nothing to do with gender

[@random-zz8ut]

@@alfieshanks6555 this has nothing to do with gender? "pressure and strength that comes with being a man" as if women dont have their own struggles too? stfu

[@robertschneider1977]

Robin Williams probably surprised a lot of people at how good he is in these dramatic roles. This one, Good Will Hunting, and Good Morning Vietnam are absolute masterpieces in film with Robin as the lead.

[@annamariepowell9162]

Awakenings is good too

[@MrVvulf]

Don't forget "The Fisher King", one of the roles that demanded a wide range of emotions.

[@luciebrisson5881]

@@annamariepowell9162 Yes, Awakenings is a great movie. Also with Julie Kavner and Robert DeNiro.

[@DerekScottOHara]

Mrs. Doubtfire too

[@ericjanssen394]

However, by the time we got Patch Adams, What Dreams May Come and Bicentennial Man, the general reaction was “O-KAY! Enough already! Please, Robin, play a villain! 😡” Which he did, to creepy effect, in “One Hour Photo”.

[@kaije7art]

"O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman - Written to honour Abraham Lincoln after his assassination. If you ever get a chance to read it, please do. It's amazingly beautiful, and fits this movie in so many ways. The boys standing up to pay tribute to their fallen captain after he's fired... standing to pay tribute to Robin Williams after his death. There's also a song that was written using the poem as lyrics, composed by John Leavitt... Written for a four-part men's choir, and it is just beautiful. I'm sure there are some great renditions on KZbin if you ever have a few minutes.

[@nickperkins8477]

“Sometimes, I get re-sad about Robin Williams.” Absolutely.

[@mrscb5303]

That is so true, it was just such a loss.

[@bethclarke3899]

Always. I still haven't rewatched his movies because it still hits so hard.

[@josephscally6270]

" I feel like I'm in trouble and I'm not even IN this!" My best laugh of the day. Thanks.

[@AutoPilate]

Ethan Hawke (Todd) is an amazing actor. I highly recommend the “Before” trilogy to see his chops: Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). And his daughter with Uma Thurman, Maya Hawke, is Robin on Stranger Things.

[@purcascade]

My very favorite

[@katfajro274]

I haven't seen DPS since high school and was wondering why he seemed so familiar. I only know Ethan Hawke from Training Day. Holy moly I never realized

[@AutoPilate]

Also, since Ash likes sci-fi, I’d recommend 1997’s Gattaca.

[@dracoargentum9783]

I had forgotten Ethan was in this.

[@SlytheyTove]

Don't forget his most recent film: The Black Phone... Dude can ACT THE HELL out of the roles he's put in, even as the villain. Seriously, that movie, and his performance... chills!

[@lazarusblack9995]

This movie came out when i was 17 and applying to art schools while my father was trying to force into becoming an engineer and taking over his business. I don't know if seeing it helped me at all - but I know my mother made sure my father watched it, and I ended up going to art school and having a pretty decent career. My father even apologized to me years later. Many other artists I went to school with would quote this movie regularly. It changed so many lives...and i like to think it saved some as well.

[@isaackellogg3493]

We thank your mother for your art career, Herr Schickelgruber!

[@random-zz8ut]

im so happy for you! W mom hehe :p

[@frogofbrass382]

Though he's the villain in this movie, you should investigate the career of the actor who played the headmaster, the late, great Norman Lloyd. He was born in 1914, started his professional career in the theater at 17, had his first film role in 1939 at age 25, was one of the original members of Orson Welles famed Mercury Theater, worked with Hitchcock (who helped him out when Lloyd was blacklisted), worked in the 1980s on the tv show St. Elsewhere (which launched the career of Denzel Washington among many others). His final film role was at age 100, and he passed away just last year at age 106.

[@noraa1991]

wasn't he also in "the madness of king george"? that was such a fantastic movie as well

[@harrymarshall]

,, Saboteur (1942) 🗽✨

[@CMinorOp67]

“World According to Garp” is an underrated Robin Williams’ gem. 1:07: “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is great.

[@Crazyivan777]

I had a John Keating in my life: A creative writing teacher when I was a senior in high school and was fumbling around with art and identity. I lost track of him after I went to college, but just recently reconnected with him on social media. I first saw Dead Poet's Society when it was released, less than a year after I graduated high school, and hadn't watched it since. After watching this review, I sent my teacher a message letting him know what an amazing impact he had on my life. Thank you for watching this. It meant a lot to me.

[@itzakpoelzig330]

As a teacher, I want to say thank you for reaching out to express your appreciation to your teacher.

[@CaptHayfever]

House is basically the medical equivalent of a crime show, so you weren't far off. The thing that always bugged me at the start of this movie is the principal claiming Neil was taking "too many extracurriculars", which is not a thing school admins _ever_ say. Funny that you mentioned Vecna's relationship with Freddy Krueger, given that season's special guest star.

[@paul16451]

Robin Williams said in a 1994 interview that this was his favorite movie of his, because it gave him a break from having to do the constant comic mindset, which could be mentally draining on any actor. He said he was often tired for this reason after doing films like Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs. Doubtfire. While in this film, he could be comfortable inserting the occasional comic line much like any teacher does, saying something funny every once in a while, but making his acting apply more to a deeper message. He did do other dramatic films after that, some mentioned in the other comments. Let me add "What Dreams May Come" to that list, where he works with Cuba Gooding Jr, who was also more known for his comedy but had a dramatic role in that film as well.

[@LiaaaaaaaaAAAAAHH]

What dreams may come is amazing ugh! I hope she reacts to it sometime

[@leiatyndall8648]

Others have been mentioning criticism for (I think) Hook, which I hadn't heard abt, but I remember liking What Dreams May Come when THAT movie was being criticized. I don't remember if it was critics or audiences who were being harsh, but if it was the critics, then I often dismiss their cincludions. Regardless, I remembered liking it. I haven't seen it in a long time, so not sure how it'll come across now, so Ashleigh should review it so I can watch, too.

[@touchstoneaf]

What Dreams May Come wrecks me

[@erinpauley9047]

What dreams may come is such an amazing movie!

[@thomashiggins9320]

@@leiatyndall8648 I enjoyed Hook a lot, right up until the climactic fight. A *food-fight* , after everything else that happened in that story? Seriously?! The whole film just collapsed into farce.

[@KillCoMentalMusings]

I too watched this film in my English Class, as a insecure teenager it really did inspire me to try and do better in my life. I've still got notebooks full of my terrible poetry from those days around somewhere. And to tie one final bit of Shakespeare into this, while paying tribute to the inspiration that Robin Williams was to us all... "Give me your hands if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends.".

[@maggieshevelew7579]

One of Robin Williams’ best movies, which is often forgotten, or just not mentioned for some reason, is “Awakenings”. This beautiful, brilliant film from 1990, based on a true story, and co-starring Robert DeNiro, was one of the first films to solidify Robin as a serious dramatic actor.

[@NotSuaveRico]

I second this. Also directed by Penny Marshall.

[@amyhudler9417]

I loved Awakenings! Actually, as much as I loved Robin in his manic comedic persona, in my opinion he truly shone like the sun in his dramatic roles. He was so much more than just a funny guy. A true artist.

[@jeanpaulmedellin]

Robin was such an amazing comedian, but man, his dramas were brutal. Awakening was my second movie of him that I watched (Dead Poets the first) and wow, the left such an impression on me, that I became a fan of his work forever. Such a talented, funny, humanitarian actor that gave so much.

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

Yeah it’s more of a de Niro movie tho

[@maggieshevelew7579]

@@mynameisnotearl4383 I disagree. It’s really the doctor’s story, and in my opinion, they’re both lead actors in it.

[@michaelplowman8674]

The emotional growth within this movie can not be overstated. This movie came out not long before I was in high school and I grew up with it. I had an English teacher at my podunk, farm boy, West TN high school who was a PhD in Literature. Because of him, I memorized Poe's "The Raven" and parts of many other poems. Imo, poetry is the highest form of communication.

[@amgirl4286]

"Good Will Hunting"- one of the greatest 90s movies- Robin Williams...Ben Affleck...Matt Damon. Must watch 90s movie. A FANTASTIC movie

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

Robin is perfect in the role. …”one of the greatest 90s movies” got to call you out on that tho, the movie wouldn’t be on the top 100 list of movies of the 90s

[@petek2832]

That would be a great follow up to this. Robin Williams has some serious dramatic chops, and just acting with him seems to bring out the best in his co-stars. They have to work that much harder to not get run over by his performance.

[@RandomNonsense1985]

And there was a sequel called "Hunting Season".

[@123mightywarrior]

20:38 It wasn't just because of a play. It's because he had absolutely no autonomy. His father would not let him live his own life and pursue his own dreams. He was a prisoner in his father's shadow, and the only means of escape was to end his life. Such a tragedy. 😞

[@ElisaH_DarklyiShine]

I'm surprised people thought u wouldn't like it. I was sure you WOULD like it because of the deeper messages and ideas about following your passions and being an individual regardless of what other people say.

[@madeleinereads]

In my high school American Literature class, we also had a poetry book with a terrible introduction. My teacher said we could rip it out like in Dead Poet’s Society. When we read the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” we stood on our desks.

[@AlejandroMontenegroGranados]

Many people remember Williams for his comedies, but he was a terrific drama actor. BTW, he and his friend Christopher Reeve were students at Julliard. Recomendations: World acording to garp, Moscow in the hudson, The Fisher King, August Rush. Robin had a huge range, indeed.

[@Shaw2184]

August Rush 👍🏿

[@troblodite]

The fisher king ❤❤❤

[@leslie2149]

Seconding The World According to Garp (first serious roll I saw him do) and The Fisher King and would add Awakenings.

[@DaveF.]

Also 'One Hour Photo', in which he plays a disturbed and possibly dangerous stalker.

[@msmrsro]

I think they were roommates at Juilliard, weren’t they?

[@jennaharris2721]

We analyzed this film for my Mental Health in Film class as it is a very nuanced depiction of depression. Neil is a classic example of someone with functioning depression, where often people look back and can't "see the signs". And Robin Williams is a literal gift of human and actor

[@zappafan012]

Back in ancient times when I was young long distance phone calls were very expensive. So sometimes you would "call collect", meaning the person on the other end would accept the charges instead of the person making the call. And that's your history lesson for the day. Also you forgot to tell your story about speaking in class. 🙂

[@Dularr]

Modern day means you are getting a phone call from prison. Prisons make it very clear you are getting a call from someone in jail.

[@scottboswell6406]

I don't like being 'that guy', but since this is a movie about an English class, it should be "accept the charges", not 'except' them, lol!

[@leiatyndall8648]

Easy way to remember Accept vs Except is the C in "accept" hugs around something, including it, while the EX in except EXcludes something, or leaves it out.

[@pangkaji]

17:07 Collect Call is a call in which the receiving party pays for the call. The caller calls the operator and says he wants to place a collect call to a person and the phone number. The operator then calls the number and says "There is a call for Mr. X from Mr. Y. would you accept?"If the receiving party agrees to take the call the operator connects the caller and receiver. If the receiver refuses to take the call then the operator tells the caller the receiver refused the call. The call then ends.

[@StCerberusEngel]

Neil's father enters the theater just as Puck is about to beseech forgiveness for the faeries' fleeting puerility. Timing. One thing both comedy and tragedy rely on.

[@jvcoulter]

High school English teacher for twenty-eight years. In one particular 10th-grade period in one particular year, several of the boys had seen the movie, and began addressing me as "O Captain, My Captain" after reading the poem in class. It stuck for the rest of the year and beyond. It touched me that they were comparing me to Mr. Keating. One of the greatest honors I've ever received from any students.

[@frankensteinlives5451]

Niel didn't commit suicide because of the play. It was a lifetime of domination, mentally and emotionally, from his father, that he could no longer bear. Yet, he didn't possess the ability to openly"defy" him either. It was the final straw from his father, along with his announcement that he was going to send him to a new school. Where he would be starting all over again, doesn't know anyone there, etc. Hard to say what will be the final circumstance to push someone over the edge. Loved your reaction! Peace!

[@videohistory722]

Not only that, it was going to be a MILITARY school where he was under constant surveillance. Any chance of freedom would've been over.

[@mycroft16]

Robin Williams acted with a quiet intensity in many of his films. They weren't necessarily comedic funny... but they were very real. This is one of those. It's got a real intensity and gravity to it that just makes it hit home. The death is just handled perfectly. And the little bits of wisdom Mr. Keating gives out are priceless truths. Learning should be fun. There should be passion in and for it. He was such a treasure to this world. I'd seriously highly recommend all of his films. He was just so damn good at being alive, despite what must have felt like being dead inside.

[@ericwatson54]

"Dead Poet's Society" is a brilliant film! This is one of Robin Williams' greatest performances.

[@byronbonsall]

"I've got goosebumps!" That's how we felt watching the movie in the theater back in '89.

[@joeday4293]

This came out when I was in high school. That was around the time movie tickets broke the $6 barrier. In 1989, that was more than 6 gallons of gas, a lot of money for a movie ticket. This movie gave birth to a new rating system among me and my friends: one friend of mine came back from seeing it and declared that it was "a genuine $6 movie" - worth the asking price.

[@caldodge]

Robert Sean Leonard had a regular role as an oncologist on "House".

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

*wilson*

[@sousamina]

It is ironic that he has fulfilled the wishes of his father in another series. I wonder if they have made some kind of wink in House about some desire to be an actor or similar

[@neighborhoodangel2078]

this movie is why I became a teacher... an Englih teacher..... one of the greatest accomplishments of my life...

[@vintagesoup79]

Of all Robin Williams "serious" roles, I think Awakenings is my favourite. A bit forgotten now, but I think Ashleigh might like it, as Penny Marshall directed it and Robert De Niro is actually quite sweet in it.

[@P.HATHCOX]

Great recommendation!

[@firstenforemost]

Speaking of Stranger Things 4, the actress who plays Robin, Maya Hawke, is the daughter of Ethan Hawke, here playing Todd Anderson. Her mother is Uma Thurman.

[@vickieholt7100]

The "little cutie" (Neil) is played by Robert Sean Leonard. And as I was watching your review, my brain was exploding with "where do I know that guy from???" Then it hit me that he played Claudio is the BEST version of Shakespear's "Much Ado About Nothing", EVER. The movie also stars Keanu Reeves, Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson (who you'll met in Harry Potter), and Kenneth Brannagh (who you'll also meet in Harry Potter). Fantastic movie from 1993!

[@alankingsley2916]

One of the best Shakespeare adaptions on film! Joy just RADIATES from that movie.

[@randomjunk1977]

He was also Dr. Wilson on House

[@RetiredSailor60]

@@randomjunk1977 I was going to say the same thing. House is the show I remember him from the most...

[@gerstelb]

Not to mention Kate Beckinsale when she was cute instead of smoking, and of course BRIAN BLESSED.

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

@@randomjunk1977 he will always be *wilson* to me.

[@CathleenMJennings80]

Speaking of Stranger Things - "Robin's" dad is in this movie, Ethan Hawke (guy who doesn't want to read aloud). PS It was on purpose that the storyline for Season 4 is like a Nightmare on Elm Street. The guy who played Freddie Krueger guest stars in ST as Victor Creel. I LOVE how each ST season covers a different 80s pop culture reference!!!!

[@shaynebrewer]

This movie was a big deal at our house as teenagers. When I finished my English degree at age 33, my sister was sitting quietly, watching the ceremony. As I walked across the stage to get my diploma, she stood up and yelled "YAWP!" at the top of her lungs. ❤

[@nehemiahmarcus308]

Robin Williams was also in Shakes The Clown. He goes by the name of Marty Fromage and plays the part of a mime instructor. BTW, the clowns and mimes do not get along with each other and sometimes do battle against each other.

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

you ABSOLUTELY have to watch "Good Morning Vietnam" - Robin Williams playing a radio DJ will have you in stitches. Also, Good Will Hunting. For Kurt Russel, Escape from New York, and Escape from LA are classics, and if you really want your mind blown, the 1967 Disney film "Mosby's Marauders" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIjJaGqqg6-ojLM) has a 16-year old Kurt Russel in it.

[@althelas]

Don't forget Big Trouble in Chinatown

[@Soveliss74]

Follow me boys has Kurt Russel in it too

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

Escape From New York is a top-to-tail classic. Escape From LA really is not.

[@paul16451]

@@althelas You mean Big Trouble in Little China, and Ashleigh has already watched that one :).

[@althelas]

@@paul16451 ups, you are right, I forgot. Cheers

[@purcascade]

We watched Dead Poet's Society in one of my Education classes in college. It's very influential with a lot of teachers. ❤️ It was massive at the time. Carpe Diem was plastered on EVERYTHING. It was the Live Laugh Love of the early 90s.

[@TSIRKLAND]

True, but I would equate it more to "YOLO" than L,L,L.

[@bigpun2456]

This movie is the reason i love Robin Williams The range of his acting ability was on display full blown magical movie

[@brandoncollins1225]

The man who played the Headmaster is Norman Lloyd. He was an actor whose career spanned almost a century. He started off in theater and worked with Orson Welles and John Housman on several projects, including their production of Julius Caesar; where he played Cinna the Poet, the character beaten to death by fascists. He worked in radio with Welles and Housman then went into film in the early 40s. His first notable role was in Hitchcock's Saboteur in 1942. He worked for decades in front of and behind the camera as an actor and director of numerous film and television shows. His biggest role is arguably as Dr. Auschlander on St. Elsewhere; a medical drama that ran for 6 seasons in the 1980s. His final acting role was in the Judd Apatow film Trainwreck in 2015. He was 100 years old and still relatively spry. He died peacefully in his sleep last year at the age 106. To my knowledge there is no one that had a career span longer than his.

[@d.k.prince5694]

If you're enjoying the film career of Robin Williams, you should review THE FISHER KING and THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP. Besides being a comedic genius, he was also a critically acclaimed actor.

[@foljs5858]

Good morning Vietnm, The Fisher King and Awakenings (with De Niro) are gold

[@geminiacleo7ewe]

Oh... my... God!!!! The Fisher King is heartbreaking!!!!! He was so good!

[@spiritdancer36]

D.K. Prince I am waiting for any reactor to watch Fisher King. I have no idea if she would enjoy it but my hope is that her compassion for mental health issues and trauma would help her to enjoy it.

[@Hobbes1025]

I always liked MOSCOW ON TH HUDSON.

[@njt2347]

Also the very underrated Moscow on the Hudson. Robin Williams is amazing in that movie.

[@bad-people6510]

I loved it when an episode of House, House made a reference to this movie while talking about Dr. Wilson. Which is just absurd because there was a whole episode where he was obsessed with figuring out where he recognized someone he didn't know from.

[@amandadougherty6615]

I knew immediately the first time I saw this movie that Neil had pulled the trigger. I don’t know why, but I sort of connected with him from the git go, so…I just knew he felt backed into a corner and would end it. This movie really hit me, and I’m glad you liked it. Carpe Diem indeed. (PS, the actor who played Freddie Kruger made a cameo in Stranger Things, so I think you can safely assume the parallels with him and Vecna were intentional 🙂)

[@kathrynweber9524]

This and Mr. Holland's Opus are the teaching movies that get me crying every time.

[@Beaver1224]

Ashleigh: "Did I inspire you? Carpe Diem?" Beans: "Carpe Din-din. Let's go."

[@koelekahuna9370]

Loved that you loved this. Calling collect was when you were making a call and reversing the charges (usually long distance) so that the receiver pays for the call. In these days long distance was expensive! So Happy you're finally watching LOTR.

[@DonnaCPunk]

One Hour Photo for Robin Williams. I've only seen one reactor do it. It's a great movie. Different kind of role for him. I wish he'd done more like it, honestly.

[@davelister2961]

Insomnia.

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

*seymour* is creepy

[@lindsaystevens4089]

This was filmed like 20 mins from where I grew up. The school and theater and landscapes show the most beautiful side of Delaware. St. Andrew’s School and Everett Theatre in Middletown, Wolf Cave, landscapes from New Castle and Rockland. The houses were frequently in Westover Hills and Greenville. Every now and again I’ll find another location from the movie when I drive around visiting my parents.

[@JeffKelly03]

I have not started the video but I'm just anticipating an "Am I gonna cry?" from Ashleigh and the answer is... yes. Yes, very much so.

[@gestaltdude]

Robert Sean Leonard, the actor you believed to be in a crime show, was Dr James Wilson in House which, if you enjoy some irony, was pitched as being something akin to a Sherlock Holmes style medical drama. So in a way you were correct, in that the diseases were treated as crimes to be solved, just not quite in the way you intended. He was also one of the three reasons I watched the show in the first place, the others being seeing Hugh Laurie play a serious role (had only seen him in Blackadder previously), and Jesse Spencer who made his start in a little Aussie soap called Neighbours.

[@joeday4293]

It's ironic to compare this movie to "House" - Neil's dad telling him as Neil to stop screwing around, versus him as Dr. Wilson telling House to stop screwing around.

[@gestaltdude]

@@joeday4293 In some respects, yes, Wilson was trying to stop House "screwing around", particularly in his personal life. However, there are also times when it can be seen that Wilson encouraged some aspects of House's behaviour, particularly the less self destructive ones. eg seeing who could keep a chicken in their office the longest without security finding out, or going with him to see monster trucks when Wilson was never as interested in them as was House.

[@amyhudler9417]

This is why I love this movie. It shows people Robin’s range as an amazing actor. Ashleigh, watch him in “What Dreams May Come”, “Insomnia “ and “One Hour Photo” to see more of his amazing range!!!

[@Miss_Camel]

“Death to Smoochy”!!!

[@BaracchiL]

honestly, I lived through something like Neil did and I can assure you: when the only thing you see in your future is 10 years of something that you really don't care for, while at the same time having to abandon your dream without even trying, you REALLY don't feel it like it is too dramatic. Just fucking hopeless and helpless. It's not like you don't have the means, or the talent, it's worse: you KNOW you have the means, but you know you are going to waste your life for nothing. There's no escape, and no way to accept it. You are left knowing you could be something, but not being able to because REASONS. So yea, not TOO dramatic, just real. And not only that, you can see that even with this extreme gesture the parents and everyone simply didn't understand fucking shit, they still were conviced they were right, never considering that they were piloting someone else's life for their own fulfillment. Really, it may be slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect, but the reactions are damn close to life. Edit: I want to stress it even more, it's exactly how you said: follow your passion. Sometimes you can't because others decide for you, and not everybody has the strenght to go against those others. It's not easy to just say "i will follow my passion". Being free to do it is not that common. Edit 2: Don't wanna be aggressive, it's just that english isn't my primary language :D just wanted to precise that it feels a bit extreme, but it's a very difficult situation for a teenager in that kind of context :)

[@fairamir1]

Neil could have stood up to his Dad and just said no.

[@miriam8376]

Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting are both awesome, the first because it’s silly and hilarious and the latter because it’s absolutely brilliant. You’d like both, I think. Very much looking forward to Overboard.

[@thomashiggins9320]

This movie changed people's lives. Not even kidding. I don't know that it, "changed my life," but it strongly influenced how I see the world. It's certainly one of my favorite films of all time. A "preparatory school" or "prep school" is a private school with a curriculum specifically designed to prepare students for success in a top-grade, "Ivy League" university. At the time in which this film was set (the late '50s/early '60s) they were almost exclusively boys' schools, as few girls went on to college.

[@marcanthonynolan]

Collect calling was where they call you and you pay for it. It used to cost money to place each call and calling collect meant you either didn't have the money to pay or didn't want to pay and expected the receiving end of the call to pick up the cost. You'd answer the phone and an operator would say you had a collect call from so and so and do you accept the charges. In the 90s it became an automated system so you could trick it by saying quick message instead of your name. So it'd be "you have a collect call from... Momcomepickmeup ...do you accept the charges?" And they could decline and not pay and still know what you wanted. Oh the days before cell phones lol

[@saagisharon8595]

where I live they did that even with the actual cell phone back at a time when having outgoing calls would put you in debt and everyone you knew asked to use your phone and you would find yourself in debt

[@TheYakusoku]

First name: Bob. Last name: Wehadababyitsaboy.

[@Hoodat_Whatzit]

I had to prepare myself to watch your reaction to this. I get teary-eyed from the moment Neil gets so giddy about getting the part. Now it's even harder to watch after Robin William's passing. You should add The Fisher King to your watchlist. It's a bit different as well.

[@morningcoffeebreak7367]

OMG..."Overboard" is one of my VERY favorite movies! Can't wait! You're going to LOVE it! And "Lord of the Rings!"...OMG! You're getting into some great stuff now!!!

[@FeaturingRob]

This is one of my favorite films. The Headmaster of the school (who you didn't like) was played by Norman Lloyd, who as an actor is a bit of a legend. First, he was a member of The Mercury Theater which was founded by Orson Welles, and as a result, he was cast in the film classic 'Citizen Kane', which was Welles's film debut (as co-writer, lead actor, producer, and director). Lloyd did theater, television, and film over a career that lasted from 1923 to 2020, passing away at the age of 106 in 2021. Shortly after 'Dead Poets Society', Robert Sean Leonard played the role of Claudio in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. His co-stars were Kenneth Branagh (who also adapted the screenplay and directed the film), Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, Kate Beckinsale (in her debut playing Robert's love interest, Hero), Imelda Staunton, and Michael Keaton. If you want to see a great Shakespearean film...anything directed by Kenneth Branagh is amazing (Henry V, Hamlet, As You Like It, and Love's Labours Lost), but the best is 'Much Ado...' which is hysterically funny! This won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar.

[@NewEnglandMovies]

Now you absolutely need to watch Good Will Hunting, I think you'll love that one too with Robin Williams.

[@conureron3792]

Yes, must do Good Will Hunting

[@myysharona]

My favorite thing about the Vecna-Kreuger similarity is that Robert Englund (who played Kreuger) is in Stranger Things as Vecna’s dad.

[@okeefe757]

A preparatory school is one that generally prepares the students for an elite college. I went to one, but I just went to a regular college. But there is one in my state-Virginia, very similar to the one in the movie called Woodberry Forrest. It has it's own golf course on the school grounds. So the school is huge.

[@marennicholson5444]

Ha so many kids I grew up with went to Woodberry. I went to a sister school in Maryland and had mixers with Woodberry boys. I even saw Dave Matthews preform for one of them.

[@sweetkiss119]

I’m from Virginia also. I live close to mit so I can say prep schools are very much a real thing.

[@lordwalker71]

One of the characters in stranger things 4 was played by the actor who was Freddie Krueger. Another stranger things bit of trivia is that the actor who plays Todd in this movie is Ethan Hawke who is the father of Maya Hawke who plays Robin on stranger things and her mother is Uma Thurman from kill Bill.

[@tadanott300]

This movie meant so much to me. As someone who grew up in a very strict home, this movie was such a reminder that my life was mine to live and I was given passions because I was meant to live them. Great reaction!!!

[@mattdellarosa7365]

You're gonna love Overboard. I've recommended that one to you a few times in the past. I've seen it hundreds of times I'm sure since it was one of my sister's favorite movies when I was growing up. That, Mr. Mom, and Steel Magnolias.

[@balansboy]

Great movie. Really showed how good of an actor Robin Williams was even outside of comedy

[@danjennings8618]

I think Robin Williams first showed his dramatic side in Moscow On The Hudson

[@lawrencejones1517]

Robin Williams was all over the place! He made his start as a standup comedian who was so wild! He guest starred on an episode of the sitcom Happy Days where he played an outrageous alien. The end of the episode has it as a dream that one of the character's has, but people loved the character so much, that the shot a new ending for it and used it as a spinoff episode for the sitcom Mork and Mindy. It was the start of greatness! While he did some amazing comedy movies, he was also an amazing dramatic actor! What Dreams May Come is among his best! The Fisher King is another awesome one he did! Then there are movies that are drama but maybe some notes of comedy, like Awakenings, Good Morning Vietnam and Man of the Year. He even did science fiction, Like Bicentennial Man and A.I. Artificial Intelligence! He did a really creepy movie called One Hour Photo, that is not for the faint of heart! And if I believed in guilty pleasures (in my opinion, if you like something, OWN it), one of mine would be RV! And this is just scratching the surface!

[@Ootlander]

Would love to see a reaction to Awakenings, a very overlooked film and one of both Robin Williams and Robert DeNiro's greatest performances.

[@missbec1982]

Yes!!! I was scrolling the comments to see if anyone else mentioned it - ugh, such a good movie!

[@hockemeyer1]

I was a father of teens when this film was made so my English teacher never referenced it, however we were assigned to watch My Fair Lady for English, in fact we did a field trip to the theater in 64 to watch it as a class. Its a wonderful musical too

[@mgaugy]

You should also watch "Stand and Deliver" which is also about an amazing real teacher who changes the lives of their students.

[@MsWaif]

Yes! Saw this one in High School, very inspiring story.

[@leiatyndall8648]

Dangerous Minds, too, w/ Michelle Pfeiffer.

[@msmilder25]

OMG...I haven't seen this in 25-some years...and I'm glad you already recorded a reaction to it, it makes the re-watch more fun. Robert Sean Leonard is in this...that's Dr Wilson, House's sidekick on House MD....he was 20 years old when this movie came out. I do that a lot when I watch old films...I look closely at the actors who played children (in family films) or teenagers/students in films like this...just trying to see if they "made it" as adult actors.

[@neil2444]

Another film very much of this same type is "Scent of a woman" staring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. Very slice of life type thing like Dead Poet's Society, perhaps just slightly darker. But I do love your reactions to Robin Williams too. Just put this one on the backburner. :) Love your content, Ashleigh!

[@CraigKostelecky]

Hoo wah!

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

“I’m in the dark here”

[@GeminiWolfstarGaming]

I just recently watched that for myself for the first time, and I _loved_ the movie! The Academy Award Al Pacino got for his performance I think was very well deserved. Also side note here: apparently Al Pacino gave some quick advice to Chris O'Donnell: "Never date an actress."

[@stephenolan5539]

I'm just getting started.

[@RandomNonsense1985]

@@GeminiWolfstarGaming An Oscar just for yelling "Hoowah!"?

[@Fightingforthelost]

This was one of my FAVORITE Robin Williams films, growing up. I didn't see it in English class, though. My parents are huge Robin Williams fans, and they had a copy. We wore that VHS out.

[@AzazelTheFallen]

Omg T_T RIP Robin Williams its interesting that I grew up watching Robin and his movies but rewatching a lot of his movies as an Adult hits different there are just some lessons that go over a kids head. More Robin Williams movies please!

[@SWNJim]

I remember first watching this on a Saturday or Sunday while at my grandparents’ house. It came on during the late afternoon when no sports were on and the network just needed to fill a time slot. I was so amazed by how enjoyable this film was and to think if the circumstances had been different, I might never have seen it.

[@rebeccahowe5558]

Since you brought up Stranger Things 4, Ethan Hawke (Todd) is Maya Hawke's (Robin in ST) father.

[@VillainHoor]

And Victor Creel is played by Robert Englund who in turn played Freddy Kreuger. Stranger Things

[@battlegirldeb]

Was looking to see if any posted this information.

[@BondFreek]

Collect calling is when you wanted to call long distance but you didn't have the money for it. You called the operator and told them that you wanted to call somebody long distance and you want to make it a collect call. In other words you wanted your relative, friend or significant other to pay for the call. Aka the person you were calling was going to pay for the call instead of you. So you would say "I would like to make a collect call to a Mrs Smith phone area code 781 phone number 555-5555" the operator within call the number and with you on the line in a three-way call the operator would say "this is the operator I have a collect call from a Mr Smith to a Mrs Smith. Would you accept the charges?" sometimes they would include the location that the incoming call was coming from. The receiving call person would say "yes". After the phone call is over the operator would send the information to the billing department of the phone company and charge the amount of time to the receivers phone bill.

[@wheresatari668]

Oh, for Robin Good Will Hunting is a must. And for Kurt, my personal top 3 favorite movie of all time is most definitely Backdraft. It's a firefighter drama/thriller and he will make You melt, milady.

[@trepearound3915]

Who’s your brother? You are Steven 😭

[@Judetatham]

This was one of my favourite movies growing up and still is. So emotional and powerful - glad you liked it Ashley x

[@melenatorr]

This movie ties through in my mind with another, much older movie, also about life in a boarding school. This one's from a teacher's pov: "Goodbye, Mr. Chips", with Robert Donat and pretty much the debut of actress Greer Garson - if you ever watched the animated "Little Drummer Boy", the narrator was Greer Garson, so you know her voice if nothing else.

[@worstcaseofcrabsever5510]

sweet review. That ending scene gets everyone. I was unsure if you would be able to get into this one but looks like you could. Robin Williams was a rare talent that defined his generation. What more can one do as an entertainer? The young men were outstanding in their acting roles and there was some excellent dialogue scenes. Your reactions are fun to watch since you have such a bubbly personality. Here are 3 suggestions #1 Days of Thunder #2 Lethal Weapon #3 Red Dawn(1984)

[@GirlWithAnOpinion]

Never watch the remake of "Red Dawn!" It never should have been touched! The 1984 version or not at all! Patrick Swayze cannot be replaced in this role, nor Jennifer Grey, or anyone else! "WOLVERINES!!!"

[@TwinStripe]

20:39/28:12 It's not all '...because of a play...' - He feels as if he'll never be allowed to live his own life and be what he aspires to be and end up as bitter and spiteful as his father is, and that's too much for him to bear. The true tragedy of this is that his father never breaks out of that until it's too late. One of my favourite movies, even though it wrecks me every time I see it.

[@HBBatista]

"look it all those chicken" made me laugh all movie. Thats a great line.

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

There are SO MANY great actors for whom this was their breakput film. Noah Wiley is the one you kept noticing. Most famous for ER. But Ethan Hawke is the most famous actor who broke out in this film. EDIT: My mistake, you were looking at a DIFFERENT one of the people who got their big break here.

[@gregturner9065]

and Ethan Hawke's daughter is in Stranger Things playing Robin -- coincidence? yep, it sure is a coincidence.

[@jillbenson4518]

Noah Wyle isn't in this movie. You might have him confused with Josh Charles.

[@stephenniehaus8635]

I'm glad you picked up on Todd standing up on his desk first and what it meant. I didn't catch that my first viewing

[@jessisniff7772]

Girlfren, if you wanna cry your eyes out and see one of my favorite Robin Williams film, watch What Dreams May Come. It is absolutely incredible 🥲🥲🥲

[@matthewschafer6359]

I think That 70's Show should have ended with Eric Foreman committing suicide, then it's revealed Red was also the dad in Dead Poet's Society and all of his son's kill themselves. And while all of this is being revealed Fes is in the background stealing candy.

[@michaelevans1193]

Ashleigh - I have never used a typewriter Me - wipes away a tear thinking “I’m not old, really” Ashleigh - I have never made a collect call Me - feels many more gray hairs appearing This is one of my favorite movies and uses one of my favorite poems as it’s basis. I have been looking forward to this review all weekend.

[@TheYakusoku]

I was right in the transition phase, so I used a fancy electric typewriter that belonged to my mom so I could write papers for school, but we were barely getting a computer set up, just before I left for college, then in college, I got a new laptop and printer so I could do my papers that way.

[@stephenolan5539]

I had a portable typewriter and still have a nice Samsonite briefcase.

[@P.HATHCOX]

Glad I wasn't the only one feeling older and older as Ashleigh listed the things she never used that were pretty common in my day lol

[@joeday4293]

I'm still hoping to get a new typewriter with my S&H Green Stamps. LOL

[@erichelvie8524]

I was blessed to have a couple of teachers similar to Mr Keating, My daughter missed being in his class by one year. She finally got to meet him during a college class where he was a guest speaker, she knew then why I revered this teacher so much. She also finally understood where I get my eclectic mindset from, which she fully embraced,AND after years of trying, she watched DPS. . . . . . she now understands fully!!