videorama-759-859391 I finally came to view this, yesterday, if only for Marky Mark Wahlberg. He gives a kind of breakthrough, if memorable performance. Suck factor: he dies 51 minutes into the movie, at which point I, turned off. Killing MM in this film, is like sticking a knife right in the belly of it, his life, taken by the murderous crazed, hottie teach, Donahue, a human sex magnet to the eyes of any male, much more ones, who are undersexed. She killed her former hottie husband, after catching him in bed with one of her students, and from there, she just loses it, where cut to the present, she's starting a whole new life, in a new town, and new school, substituting for an old hag, the students were glad to see go. She catches the eye of a young good male student, whose hormones are working overtime. He becomes fixated with her, despite his nicey nice, seet and prim proper girlfriend, Natasha Gregson Wagner. The Substitute, the same title taken a few years later by that Berenger school yard film, is stupid, but marvelously and addictively entertaining, shot how 90's t.v movies were shot, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Donahue and Wahlberg, before he became a rennaisance man, or got any army intelligence, are the two assets here. Donahue, gives a memorably knock out performance, while Wahlberg, generates so much charm, and natural ease in it's acting. You can look at it, as bad, or is it? His entry, while reciting a poem to a much younger Amy Adams, is a hoot as seeing him in some other scenes, such a rebel. I'm sorry I turned off after 51 minutes, but it just wasn't right, disposing of Wahlberg, like a down right low kick to the guts.

borromeot A surprising, classy, if not perfect, melodrama /thriller/comedy of horrors. Amanda Donohoe is exceptional in a character tailor made for Bette Davis. Those smiles with a creepy underneath. She goes for it in a performance that it's as complex as it is fun to watch. This movie by the enigmatic Martin Donovan is a mix of extraordinary moments - cinematic, surprising, beautiful, frightening and funny as well a downright bad, amateurish moments - I'm trying to find everything Donovan has done. Not an easy thing, believe me. But for what I've seen so far, he is a welcome lyrical oddity. "The Substitute" uneven as it is, remains in my mind as if inviting me to see it again. I will, for sure. Mark Wahlberg makes his film debut here looking straight into the camera. I bet Donovan knew what he was doing. I highly recommend it for lovers of the strange and unique.

MarieGabrielle It has been awhile since audiences have seen Amanda Donohoe. (Remember L.A. Law?).She is actually quite good as a teacher with less than good intentions; she looks mysterious and menacing. It is surprising also that Mark Wahlberg (previously known as "Marky Mark") is in this film I recently saw him in "The Shooter" and he has come a long way.For a TV suspense film this is not bad. Dalton James ("90210") also has a part as Ben's son, who realizes Donohoe is capable of murder. There are a few scenes reminiscent of Psycho, when he is in the library collecting information about the teacher and her murderous history. Natasha Gregson Wagner also has a small part as a student and Molly Parker ("Intensity").All in all, not a bad film for a rainy day.

edwagreen Amanda Donohoe's performance is the highlight of this TV film.Gale had it all. Students who loved her and an adoring husband. Apparently, he found another love and when he was caught in the act, he is killed along with his lover.Gale runs off to Minnesota and begins a new teaching career. With Mrs. Fisher, the regular teacher, out on sick leave and probably taking early retirement, Laura Ellington, her new name, gets a long-term position and works with extremely difficult youngsters.She now looks like a witch and is quite a character. When Mrs. Fisher announces her surprise return, Laura does away with her so as to get the teaching position permanently.The film, as is the case with many others of this type, begins to deteriorate as the bodies pile up. Laura goes to bed with one of the students and then takes up with his widowed father. Mark Wahlberg plays a troubled student. When he follows Ms. Ellington to Mrs. Fisher's house, she kills him.I'll stop here because the ending is contrived ...but wild. Our school systems stink but a teacher like this, wow!