Written and directed by Kevin Williamson (SCREAM, SCREAM 2, TV's DAWSON'S CREEK), TEACHING MRS. TINGLE is a cool, cutting-edge comedy starring Hollywood's hottest young talent! Leigh Ann Watson (Katie Holmes -- TV's DAWSON... more »'S CREEK, GO, DISTURBING BEHAVIOR) is the brightest girl at Grandsboro High ... but her dreams of a much-needed college scholarship are sabotaged when her history teacher, the dreaded Mrs. Tingle (Helen Mirren -- CALENDAR GIRLS), falsely accuses her of cheating! Desperate to prove her innocence, Leigh Ann conspires with her friends Luke (Barry Watson -- SORORITY BOYS) and Jo Lynn on a scheme that will teach Mrs. Tingle a lesson of her own! Before they know it, however, their plan spins hilariously out of control ... and becomes an endless comedy of errors! Also featuring Vivica A. Fox (KILL BILL VOLUME 1) and Molly Ringwald (SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE) -- you're sure to delight in all the fun and thrills of this hip movie treat!« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 1/5/2025...
Funny at times, the acting was superb.
0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
A Most Wonderful & "Ironic" Surprise With Loads Of Cameos!
Sheila Chilcote-Collins | Collinswood, Van Wert, OH USA | 06/21/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I admit that I purchased this movie for the plain and simple fact that Dame Helen Mirren appears in it. I can also say with all honesty that I have never watched a single episode of Dawson's Creek or 7th Heaven. I am a huge fan of Mirren's versatile acting abilities. She is amazing in this film, but I won't gush on about her...However, I was pleasantly pleased and surprised with this film and all of it's actors. It is a well written script by Scream's Kevin Williamson who also shows his ability to direct in his debut.I also enjoyed several cameo appearances by faces that I haven't seen in a while. The principal is played by Michael McKean. You knew him as Lenny Koznowski, the nasal, nerdish pal of Andrew "Squiggy" Squigman on the hit TV series Laverne and Shirley. Molly Ringwald is Miss Banks, the administrative assistant in the school's office, Vivica A. Fox plays guidance counsellor, Miss Gold and Jeffrey Tambor as Coach "Spanky" Wenchell.The movie moves at a quick pace and has many twists, turns and thrills! Highly recommended for a family fun movie night!Happy Watching!"
A Great Movie!
Michael T. Hopson | 08/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was one of the best movies I have seen recently. Kevin Williamson clearly shows off all his talent with a very witty script and shows that he can also direct. The movie follows Leigh Ann Watson (Holmes) as she struggles to get a much needed scholarship to get into college. All she needs is an A in History. When the history teacher Mrs. Tingle (Mirren) falsely accuses her of cheating, her two friends Jo Lynn (Coughlan) and Luke (Watson), go to Mrs. Tingle's house to prove Leigh Ann innocent. When their plan goes way out of control, they decide that it is time to give her lesson! This movie shines with talent from Helen Mirren who is perfect for the role as the teacher from hell. The teen cast was impressive as well. Katie Holmes plays the role of Leigh Ann with such sympathy, you really get pulled into the situation. And the new actress Marisa Coughlan pulls off an amazing performance, certainty one of the best highlights of this film was seeing her comedic scenes, especially when she imitates perfectly Linda Blairs performance in The Exorcist. Barry Watson also did an impressive job in the role as Luke, the boy Jo Lynn and Leigh Ann both secretly have crushes on. Molly Ringwald and Vivica A. Fox both have cameos as members of Grandsboro High Schools staff. Overall, this movie is wonderful in all genres. It is a wonderful comedy, drama, and thriller all rolled into one great movie. If you didn't catch this one in theaters, you should definitely rent it. You won't regret it! Grade: A"
Helen Mirren is sensational
Michael T. Hopson | 05/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"People think that movies are suppose to be grand, 100 million dollars worth of [effects] thrown together to make our mouth drop with delight. This movie was so great! Helen Mirren is sensational, she show that even that the most horrible times, she can still manipulate even the most smartest people. Katie Holmes is great and her being close from my home town she is a great actress with awesome abilities as a person. Jo Lynn (Coughlan) was phenomenal she made me laugh so hard when she did the exorcist scene, well done! Barry Watson (Tambor) was great as well! But look deep in yourselves haven't we all had a teacher that we would just like to tell her what we think of her!! I know i have! Well this movie brilliantly written by Kevin Williamson helps us do that. It is not too violent and seeing that it was close to Columbine it was well titled. Teaching Mrs. Tingle sounds alot better because they do teach her a lesson and they dont kill her. Nobody dies and nobody really gets seriously hurt. Helen Mirren, Katie Holmes, Marisa Coughlan, and Barry Watson gave excellent preformances, way to go you shining stars you get an A+ in my book, and guess what? I am very close to being a History Teacher so beware. (laughs) "Ms. Watson, dazzle us will you" Helen Mirren (Teaching Mrs. Tingle)
Very good guys!"
"No More Teacher's Dirty Looks...."
Barry | 11/02/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"In the wake of Columbine, this film, originally titled "Killing Mrs. Tingle", was changed to "Teaching Mrs. Tingle". I think it sounds more appropriate. To tell you the truth, this movie isn't as bad as has been written about it. Writer Kevin Williamson is on board as director as well on this film. Three students decide to take action against a nasty teacher(brilliantly played By Helen Mirren)who thinks they were cheating on a test(which they weren't)and now stands in their way of graduating. They go to her house and a series of incidents occur which now has the three students keeping Mrs. Tingle locked up in her house, with each one of them taking turns watching her. One by one, Mrs. Tingle begins to mess with their minds. Helen Mirren is exceptionally convincing and brilliant as the nasty teacher. She will have you hooked on her through the entire film. The other stars, Katie(Dawson's Creek)Holmes, Barry(7th Heaven)Watson, and newcomer Marissa Coughlan are all pretty good. Coughlan is especially delightful. Many bad things were said about this film because of Columbine and the violence in the movie, but there is no deaths. No nothing. I think a lot of people ripped into it because of what the original title was and because of Columbine. It's obvious that they never even saw the film or read the script. It's PG-13 after all. This isn't grand filmmaking, but it's entertaining to a certain degree nonetheless. Williamson has a nice eye for directing as well. The film was loosely based on Williamson's own bad teacher. And, I think, we've all had a Mrs. Tingle. Kind of a guilty pleasure."