A mostly appreciative but sharply critical discussion of Mr. Holland's Opus as a sentimental, baby-boomer-era teacher movie that works best in its later stretches. The hosts praise its emotional payoffs, Richard Dreyfuss's performance, and its tribute to teachers, while repeatedly arguing that the title character is selfish, occasionally creepy, and morally flawed.
Based only on this episode’s transcriptTimes approximateSpeakers were clearly identifiedExplore the connections
favorableGlenn HeadlyBill Simmons: Bill says she is stronger than he expected in the wife role and especially good in the jealousy reveal scene. About 32 min
favorableStephen HerrickSean Fennessey: Celebrated as an underrated director with a strong 80s-90s run including Critters, Bill & Ted, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, and The Mighty Ducks. About 56 min
neutralPatrick Sheane DuncanBill Simmons: Named as the screenwriter in discussion of whether Holland's flaws were intentional. About 40 min · medium confidence
