I’m a sucker for films like “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” Yes, I know they’re overly sentimental and syrupy. That’s part of their charm. It helps to have an actor like Richard Dreyfuss on board, who perfectly conveys the joys and disappointments of a musician who gives up his dream of becoming a composer when he’s forced to teach music at the local high school.

The job is a trade off for Glenn Holland (Dreyfuss), who takes on the temporary assignment in order to support his new wife (Glenn Headly). When Holland learns that he’s going to be a father, the temporary assignment becomes a full time job. As written by Patrick Shane Duncan, “Mr. Holland’s Opus” is a tale of lost dreams told over several decades. The film begins in the early 1960s, and ends in the present, where Holland’s dream of composing his own opus is finally realized.

The film is also about fathers and sons, and lost moments, and like in “Field of Dreams” and “October Sky,” director Stephen Herek manages to punch all the right emotional buttons. Duncan’s screenplay surrounds Holland with interesting characters who touch and affect his life. I liked Olympia Dukakis’ principal, a strong woman who knows talent when she sees it, and William H. Macy as her assistant who later becomes one of Holland’s foes. The film tackles some serious issues (Vietnam, the fact that Holland’s son is hearing impaired), but for the most part the effort is upbeat. Like “To Sir, With Love,” which I absolutely adore, I enjoyed watching Holland rise to the challenge, putting his dreams aside in order to become a teacher of substance and merit.

All music teachers can compose music, but not many composers can become teachers, especially one the caliber of Holland. The film is told in vignettes, touching base when necessary. To that point, Duncan’s screenplay is extremely effective while being economical. It’s also a real heart tugger, including a concert sequence in which Holland attempts to reach out to his son. The ending is also inspirational, even if only in a manipulative way. Still, by then, I didn’t mind being manipulated. It’s one thing when a filmmaker turns up the violins in order to evoke a response. It’s another when you already feel so close to the characters that you don’t mind that extra nudge.

I liked the characters in “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” I liked the cast as well. Dreyfuss was born to play this role, and was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his efforts. It’s all there on the screen. Headly is wonderful as his patient and understanding wife who understands his regrets. The film relies heavily on music to evoke emotion, and the song score is a wonderful collection of old and current tunes. Like “To Sir with Love,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus” has found a place in my heart that makes me feel good. How much better does it get than that?

COMPLETE CHECK-UP

VISION: [ ] 20/20 [ X ] Good [ ] Cataracts [ ] Blind

Generally handsome 2.35:1 widescreen digital transfer, with decent colors and saturation. Blacks are good, while flesh tones are realistic. The transfer has some vertical line shimmering, which is apparent throughout. Luckily, there aren’t many targets, but the ones visible take the full brunt. Overall, the images look sharp but not overly vivid, while depth of field and attention to detail is good. Some minute flecking, but not enough to be an issue.

HEARING: [ X ] Excellent [ ] Minor Hearing Loss [ ] Needs Hearing Aid [ ] Deaf

Expressive 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround soundtrack. Music plays such an important part in the film, and the soundtrack presents the musical interludes with authority and clarity. Dialogue mix is strong, while stereo effects are okay but not overpowering. Rear speakers get a lot of attention, including some tricky ambient noise and fluid musical cues. Surround effects are moderate, but basses are strong with clean middle and high ends adding to the overall aural pleasure. No noticeable audio hiss or distortion.

ORAL: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Poor

Closed captions in English for the hard of hearing.

COORDINATION: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Clumsy [ ] Weak

Main and scene access menus, a small production featurette, some Reel Recommendations and the film’s original theatrical trailer.

PROGNOSIS: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Fit [ ] Will Live [ ] Resuscitate [ ] Terminal

Despite the vertical line shimmering, the rest of the DVD experience is music to your eyes and ears.

VITALS: $29.98/Rated PG/143 Minutes/Color/25 Chapter Stops/Keepcase/#17491

ATTENDING RESIDENT: John Larsen
PATIENT: MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS

BIRTH DATE: 1995

HMO: Hollywood Pictures Home Video

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 12th, 2005 at 7:19 pm and is filed under Film Review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.