draincowboy Seen this movie on the Human Condition several times 2C those ratings of less than 5 stars could be frustrating, if I had not yet reached midlife. However, having surpassed that milestone, low ratings are best understood 2b those of individuals either too shallow to swim in any form of deep waters, or too young to have adequately attained a measure of maturity or develop even the basic elements of character. For those whom rated this movie a three or under: inexcusable unless developmentally challenged. For tis of basic decency that should one especially dislike a film, a simple conveyance of it not being to ones liking with perhaps details on what concept was found 2b disagreeable. However, 2b critical & demeaning of so many aspects of a film right down to even generalized oerception of poor acting in a film consisting of SO MANY A-list professional actors & indeed, some reviews can find nothing of value ought be adequate in itself of a reflection of the LACK of character, insight, empathy, humility, ethics, & ESPECIALLY an ability to form or process a perception based on any point of view outside of self. Sime of the low reviews here indicate puddles deeper than the reviewer. Enuf said. Perhaps the film will not appeal to all folk? Thats a given. Personally, I found the film 2b moving, the acting wonderful, the take away of inspiration to keep in mind the fact all have a story & a position of greatness all are capable of rising to &/or improving. In the subtle living our moments of life, we CAN find the power of hope & desire to make the most - or better - of the hand dealt us ..... & look down ONLY when lifting up our fellow man along is his journey as well. Shame on reviewers whom inconsiderately devalue a work to the point of having nothing at all redeemable to say ? Lazy is an individual whom cannot expend a small amount of time 2b introspective or LOOK FOR a single positive aspect within a work which resulted in a collaboration of MANY individuals & MUCH time, energy, effort & resources. Halfway intelligent & decent folks kno better to generally ignore reviews w/ratings of 1,2, &3 when a significant number of reviews are at the polar end .... If a reviewer can take the time to leave a review of ONLY total critical nature, its a reflection of the quality of character of the reviewer. Shame those reviewers even HAVE the benefit/privlege of viewing these bodies of WORK! Yes, they are WORKS in that those involved w/any aspect of it being available for others have an investment. If nothing else, some respect is rightly deserved to those. Again, one doesnt HAVE to "like" a movie. There ARE bad movies. However, unless one is "dead" inside, THIS movie, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES, qualifies under films considered 2b "bad" !! Pfffft In fact, if a heart actually beats, & one has even BASIC decency, this movie WILL touch a part of the human soul and leave a mark. This reviewer sincerely grateful for this body of work. The film world is a better place for it having been made :)

ydnewf Renaissance Man stands out in my memory as one of those very few movies that lingers throughout the years, inspirational as well as entertaining. I cannot understand why it wasn't a box office hit worldwide! Its message transcends cultures and times (although not entirely transcends literature, thanks to the Shakespeare link). Even there the message is strong - losers can win if they're given encouragement and a challenge. It's a timeless message, and it's true. Add to that Mr. de Vito's hidden talent as a reluctant yet innovative teacher who makes the grade differently, and you have - together with the classic theme of everyone being an individual,yet with an identical need for appreciation - a winning plot. But there's more. It's(looking back now) a star studded cast also! Mark Wahlberg made his debut in this movie, and if you look, today you'll see other notables as well, younger.This is a movie in which the author, director, casting director, cameraman, actors - oh heck, the entire crew - excel as a team. The whole is superbly a multiplication of its parts. It deserves to be watched every year or so, if only to be reminded of the empathetic message. I marvel at how the author came up with this story, which keeps showing more insight as it meanders through the experiment of a failed advertising man having to teach in the US Army just to keep alive. It's fun, encouraging and clever.The plot and its subplots are captivating, the actors convincing, and right at the end kindness and heroism win out - convincingly. I often recall an unforgettable line delivered by de Vito, and the context in which he says it: "The choices you make dictate the life you will lead." Upbeat, funny, touching and inspirational. Could Shakespeare have done better? I doubt it. Definitely a classic.

thirdpaige The older I get the more I realize how this movie is a little cheesy, But if you really like a feel good movie you can't go wrong with this one. Danny Devito did a wonderful job playing a teacher in the army.(a job he didn't ask for and is not looking forward to)He is brought in to teach these kids that everyone thinks are stupid. Every one of the characters left an impression in my mind. They all did a wonderful job at playing their roles.Each one of the student's are different and everyone knows someone in real life like each one of them. It is a little like dead poet's society but with more comedy and a more "happy good feeling" I am always in a GREAT mood at the end of this movie!

kscotay What I don't like...Hollywood took such literary license with this movie, I had to comment. If this squad is "double-d", I think that casting services need to be fired... Hobbs is obviously no dummy, Melvin has a sleep disorder, Leroy was a jock but he's no dummy....Why are the dd's allowed to go off-base during their basic training. When they go off the base, they're in their OD (olive drabs) uniforms which the military frowns on, but then they also went to Stratford Ontario from Michigan (International Border) into Canada (the Bluewater Bridge joining Port Huron and Sarnia). Devito is a little too unmilitary and generally a jerk, but gets the girl in the end. When did they have the time to put the rap ditty together.What I did like... It's not totally mindless entertainment, and there's some funny scenes or one-liners so it's not a total wash.