Everett almost single-handedly sustains the film, thanks to a nicely pitched turn as the headmistress with a heart.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Everett almost single-handedly sustains the film, thanks to a nicely pitched turn as the headmistress with a heart.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

While in plotting terms, the film pretty much stays in the lane you'd expect, it has plenty of heart.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

While in plotting terms, the film pretty much stays in the lane you'd expect, it has plenty of heart.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Corduner is on exceptional form and imbues the early part of the film with warmth and hope.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Corduner is on exceptional form and imbues the early part of the film with warmth and hope.

~ Jennie Kermode -

English is given more depth and there's a real story that doesn't depend on the central joke.

~ Jennie Kermode -

English is given more depth and there's a real story that doesn't depend on the central joke.

~ Jennie Kermode -

But the real disappointment is Everett, who gives a lazy performance, as if he knows he can do this backwards and simply can't be bothered.

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -

But the real disappointment is Everett, who gives a lazy performance, as if he knows he can do this backwards and simply can't be bothered.

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -

To pull this off requires a strong script and intelligent direction, and, surprisingly, this film mostly succeeds, despite occasional moments of ham-fistedness.

~ Jennie Kermode -

To pull this off requires a strong script and intelligent direction, and, surprisingly, this film mostly succeeds, despite occasional moments of ham-fistedness.

~ Jennie Kermode -

The performances are rapier sharp

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -

The performances are rapier sharp

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -