Marie I'm a late arrival. Even though this movie was released in 2008 I only saw this a couple of days ago but was so impressed with the quality of the acting that I had to write this review. It tells the true story of a young boy diagnosed with Tourette's, which is such a debilitating disorder that it can leave those who have it, and those who are in their company at their wits end with frustration. The story is told in part flashback with James Wolk leading the narrative beginning during his school days, which were quite frankly years of torture and ignorance. Brad Cohen(whom this story is based on) is determined to become a teacher but has everything stacked against him. His difficulty with reading because of his ticks. His minimal support from his teachers and a father that simply doesn't understand his disability. All this would break anyone but this young boy found a way to rise above this with the help of his mother and a wise head teacher. The 2 leads in this movie were nothing short of brilliant. Young "Brad" was played with such maturity and attention to detail he deserves to go far in his acting career, and James Wolk, the adult "Brad" showed great range in his acting, from happy, angry, to sad and upset, all with ticks intact. All the supporting cast were excellent, and Treat Williams - the dad no one wants - really came through in the end. I usually find Hallmark films a bit disposable, forgettable and samey, but this one is stand out gold. Anyone feeling sorry for themselves or having a bad day. Watch this. Guaranteed to make you put things into perspective

Meta Pomeiske I just adore this movie!!! It is very touching, encouraging, humorous and teaching. The cast was very wisely chosen. In my opinion, they transformed the script perfectly and filled the words with life. Since "Everybody Loves Raymond", I am a follower of Patrica Heaton's. Just her work, that's why I sought out this movie to watch. She played the mother one wishes for. I am glad I stubbled across this little gem on account of Ms Heaton.At times, it was so sad... How mean and intolerant people can be! I had to shed a tear here and there, but nevertheless, those dialogues were catchy and returned easily back to hilarious. If I had a kid, I would like it to watch this movie.There is one thing I didn't get though....As far as I know, and I might be wrong, please bear with me, teachers are underpaid? Sometimes it's even dangerous to be a teacher....Shouldn't they be thankful for every person who wants to be a teacher and even seems fit, despite a handicap?

guinevere-nell This is probably the most boring film I have ever seen. The only interesting thing about this guy seems to be his Tourette's syndrome, and you learn a great lesson: he wanted so badly to be normal, and he achieved it. And so he became the most terrifyingly boring person who ever lived. So there is your warning: do not try to be normal because you might just succeed, and you will bore yourself to death.Not much else to say. It is definitely safe for family viewing, so long as you don't mind your kids turning out really boring, or you can all laugh and discuss what it means to be 'normal' and why the idiots in the film think he is making noises on purpose. I gave it an 8 not just for this lesson, but also because I don't want to risk losing the coded star system on IMDb where any film getting an 8 to 9 star rating is boring and has a lesson.

naimawan As I write this, I can hardly believe I'm writing a review for a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie -- not my usual movie fare. I sometimes watch Hallmark movies, then rarely think of them again. This one was different. I think children should be encouraged to see this movie.This is an inspiring story about a courageous boy, and man, who developed Tourette's Syndrome at around six years old. It was difficult to watch the boy's discomfort, but eventually it occurred to me that because the kid grew up with this affliction from such a young age, he had adjusted to its constant presence. It seemed like torture for his parents to watch him endure this, especially his father who felt so helpless.All of the actors performed their roles well. Patricia Heaton and Treat Williams were very good, as always. The principal (played by Mike Pnieuski) who helped to change the way young Brad was treated at school performed his small, but pivotal role, with nuance. But the two actors who portrayed Brad as a boy (Dominic Scott Kay) and as a man (James Wolk) were outstanding. I disagree with the reviewer who said young Brad seldom smiled while adult Brad never quit smiling or laughing. That person must have watched a different movie. Young Brad smiled a lot when goofing around with his brother or playing baseball; and especially when the principal helped him to gain acceptance at school. His face lit up like a Christmas tree! I watched adult Brad move through an incredible gamut of emotions -- anger, frustration, sadness, elation.All that said, the true heroes here are the real people who persevered through this incredibly difficult situation -- especially Brad Cohen. He and his wife, Nancy, are exceptional role models, not just for people with disabilities, but for all of us. Brad Cohen never succumbed to self-pity or apathy. As a result, Tourette's Syndrome did not control him or stymie his success. We could all take a lesson.