This actually wasn't bad for a Hallmark Campbell soup pre-Christmas sentimental tale, which of course is a lot a caveats. James Earl Jones is a retired African-American businessman who returns to the ghetto where he grew up to open a free "reading room." This was his dying wife's last wish, and its prescience is revealed to him, and to us, as time goes on. The protagonist is surprised to find that, though a native, he is regarded as an unwelcome outsider by many elements within his old neighborhood. James Earl Jones gives an outstanding performance which saves the film from being merely sappy, and Douglas Spain, as his young and often reluctant protégé, is a real stand-out. The limited budget of a made-for-TV movie is evident, but it was used prudently and the result is a warm story that's easy to watch.
17 Reviews
Very Enjoyable Film
davyd-0223725 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Theres no frills here, no great action, just as very watchable film about a group of people who come together in a "reading room" and in less than favourable part of the town. well written and thoughtful, the "reverend" character is a bit unnerving when he 1st appears, but as the reading room develops so does his character. Everyone makes a valuable contribution to a film worth watching for something that is quite different
Sentimental tear jerker, but worth the watch!
tracee4u2plz30 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I have been a fan of Mr Brown ever since I was a little girl and watched him on the "Rookies" in the 70's. So when I found out that he was the director plus the fact that James Earl Jones was in it also, I had to watch. Basically the movie is about a widower(Jones)who's dying wife's last wish is that he opens a reading room in a rough part of town. He is met with opposition from not only the local residents, but from community leaders(Brown)also. The movie is a bit predictable,Jones eventually wins over the people in the neighborhood including Brown after the reading room is a victim of arson and everyone comes together to rebuild it. But over all it was a good movie. It was nice to see a movie without sex or bad language. There was some mild violence, but it was definitely a family movie.
The reading Room Is A Showcase for Mr Jones Consummate Acting Abilities
daffydougmagicman27 November 2005
The Reading Room, with James Earl Jones in the lead role, is a fine example of why Mr Jones is one of the finest actors alive.
As a wealthy widower who is bringing to fruition his deceased wife's wishes that their personal library be transformed into a public "reading room", the actor, best known for his voice over talents as the ominous Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga, here displays a very believable portrayal of a man whose compassion for others leads him into some new albeit unexpected ground.
The aspect of his portrayal that I find most appealing here, is his fine ability for underplaying the role. This is "perfect" acting, and very few pull it off as well as James Earl Jones.
Never over the top in his portrayal, one gets the feeling in viewing this movie, that underneath that exterior, deep down he really loves those children and the thugs who make a shambles of his reading room. In fact, one WANTS to believe that, and Jones does not disappoint.
Amazingly, he does it without any outright displays of affection, such as hugging and such, rather he brings out this quality through simple things, such as a gesture, a subtle facial expression, etc.
Superb acting is replete with these almost subliminal subtleties, and James Earl Jones here does it with fine style and finesse.
This movie is a must see if only for his acting abilities. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this film may some day be remembered as the crowning artistic achievement in Mr. Jones long, distinguished career.
However there are many more qualities apparent in this film, bringing it to the level of fine art, beyond the scope of this breviloquent review, which will make it highly worth your viewing time.
As a wealthy widower who is bringing to fruition his deceased wife's wishes that their personal library be transformed into a public "reading room", the actor, best known for his voice over talents as the ominous Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga, here displays a very believable portrayal of a man whose compassion for others leads him into some new albeit unexpected ground.
The aspect of his portrayal that I find most appealing here, is his fine ability for underplaying the role. This is "perfect" acting, and very few pull it off as well as James Earl Jones.
Never over the top in his portrayal, one gets the feeling in viewing this movie, that underneath that exterior, deep down he really loves those children and the thugs who make a shambles of his reading room. In fact, one WANTS to believe that, and Jones does not disappoint.
Amazingly, he does it without any outright displays of affection, such as hugging and such, rather he brings out this quality through simple things, such as a gesture, a subtle facial expression, etc.
Superb acting is replete with these almost subliminal subtleties, and James Earl Jones here does it with fine style and finesse.
This movie is a must see if only for his acting abilities. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this film may some day be remembered as the crowning artistic achievement in Mr. Jones long, distinguished career.
However there are many more qualities apparent in this film, bringing it to the level of fine art, beyond the scope of this breviloquent review, which will make it highly worth your viewing time.
Jones saves the day
ctomvelu-18 February 2009
A retired industrialist makes his dying wife's last wish come true, and returns to the ghetto he grew up in to establish a free reading room. Not everyone welcomes him with open arms, and he struggles to keep his little storefront library afloat and in one piece. The always-excellent James Earl Jones keeps this Hallmark story, based on true events, from collapsing into a syrupy mess. This may remind TV movie fans of another, more recent tele-drama, also based on a true events, about an educator (played by former FRIENDS star Matthew Perry) dealing with a class of unruly innercity students. Both of these TV films prove that inspirational, true-life stories need not be sappy.
A Gentle Film With a Giant Performance!
lavatch26 November 2005
A widower respects the wishes of his deceased wife and clears out all of the books from his home library in order to open a reading room in an underprivileged community. The film chronicles the struggles and success stories of William Campbell (James Earl Jones) to support young people to engage their minds in the peaceful learning environment of the reading room.
This thoughtful film demonstrates why James Earl Jones is one of the finest actors on the planet. From start to finish, Jones provided the rock solid foundation for the human dramas of those young people affected by William and his reading room.
A fine supporting cast, including Joanna Cassidy in a sensitive performance as a caring teacher, and the brisk pacing of the film by director Georg Stanford Brown make this made-for-television film a moving and memorable experience.
The film offers an important message about the importance of reading, addressing learning disabilities, and the central role played by teachers in the developmental lives of our children. The motivation of Jones's character in opening the reading room was inspired by the words of his late wife, "More Care, Less Hate." In today's world, those words could not be more timely or more important.
This thoughtful film demonstrates why James Earl Jones is one of the finest actors on the planet. From start to finish, Jones provided the rock solid foundation for the human dramas of those young people affected by William and his reading room.
A fine supporting cast, including Joanna Cassidy in a sensitive performance as a caring teacher, and the brisk pacing of the film by director Georg Stanford Brown make this made-for-television film a moving and memorable experience.
The film offers an important message about the importance of reading, addressing learning disabilities, and the central role played by teachers in the developmental lives of our children. The motivation of Jones's character in opening the reading room was inspired by the words of his late wife, "More Care, Less Hate." In today's world, those words could not be more timely or more important.
Highly recommended for ages 12 and up
pjdw200524 January 2007
The Reading Room is another example of good writing, directing and acting without the need for provocative dress or behavior or language that makes even sailors blush. The movie jacket description although enticing did not do the film justice. I expected a mediocre film that was interesting and found myself enthralled in a well written story that made me feel as if I were a tourist visiting the inner city for the first time. As I "evesdropped" beside the unnamed tattooed man who stood outside the Reading Room beneath the lamppost (who IS that man?) the entire movie unfolded before "us" as we stood mesmerized by the happenings and how each character interacted with the others. There was one disturbing scene of "injury" that may be upsetting to a young child or persons in abusive relationships but over all the movie is interesting without being offensive and provides a good life lesson for all.
Underlooked Emotional Masterpiece
billion_mucks17 January 2008
I barely watch Hallmark, but "Reading Room" captivated me and Im trying to move every single soul into seeing it.
It's story is simple: a man who opens a place to read in a difficult neighborhood. Along the way, he will find people against his will and problems, but his ultimate desire is revealed as why he opened the reading room and left his wealthy life behind.
James Earl Jones is magical. He doesn't act, he illustrates marvelously every single feeling needed and written. His character is lovable and strongly human. His persistence and motivation to change the course of some lives are uplifting. I cannot think in a movie this simple that moved me so much. I recommend it with much passion.
It's story is simple: a man who opens a place to read in a difficult neighborhood. Along the way, he will find people against his will and problems, but his ultimate desire is revealed as why he opened the reading room and left his wealthy life behind.
James Earl Jones is magical. He doesn't act, he illustrates marvelously every single feeling needed and written. His character is lovable and strongly human. His persistence and motivation to change the course of some lives are uplifting. I cannot think in a movie this simple that moved me so much. I recommend it with much passion.
After the death of his wife, a Professor (James Earl Jones) opens a reading room in the neighborhood of his youth.
eastdebbie6 December 2005
These comments are from the perspective of a literacy educator and teacher educator. I found this movie by accident as I was doing the normal flip through the channels until I find something worth watching. I missed the first part of the movie and joined in when a teacher brought a student who 'couldn't' read to the Professor for help. While the movie is a nice, heartwarming story, it really a movie that moved me to begin to look for opportunities to provide a reading room in my little town. My little town may be too small for one similar to his but the premise will be the same - a safe place to come if you can't read, want to learn to read, need help with exams and test-taking, or any literacy issue. The Reading Room shows us how to do something - give something back - for our own communities that is more than give some money. It promotes the democratic ideals of our nation by providing access to and opportunities for engaging with books. In our poorest neighborhoods it is the limited access to and extremely limited funds for books and literacy resources in general that help create and perpetuate disconnections between academic success and under served populations.
An Oasis in a Barren neighborhood run by Mr. Jones
thejcowboy222 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to watch the movie MONEY BALL with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill but I miss the first half hour of the Movie. By happenstance I clicked to another channel and low and behold the movie The Reading Room starring James Earl Jones came on. The Reading Room? Odd title but I'll give it a chance. The story begins with a retired wealthy businessman William Campbell (James Earl Jones) He just lost his wife and he decides to make good on a promise to her to open a Reading Room in the old neighborhood they grew up in. The neighborhood is filled with Black and Hispanic children in the lower living scale. The reading room is a simple looking structure. Actually it's a mid sized store front building with the words "Reading Room" on the Glass. The locals don't even pay attention to the place as kids and gang members pass by without even a glint in their eyes. One day, open and no takers to come inside to relax and take out a book, Mr. Campbell puts up a sign "Free Soda". The Idea gets interesting results as kids and black teenage girls lead by the vocal Leesha (Monique Coleman) come inside for the free beverages. The eight and nine year old boys use the computer for the games as they drink the soda. The girls tell Mr. Campbell they would stay if he buys certain magazines. Whatever the kids want Mr. Campbell provides. Money during this whole movie was never an issue. Soon the undesirables (The street Gang) show up and grab sodas out of the refrig and then take off in their cars. To add to Mr. Campbell's anguish the gang demands he bring the sodas to them like a drive through car hop person. The next day A Coca-Cola machine is installed but there is still no charge but you have to use tokens which are in a plate on Mr. Campbell's desk. One day a little girl, Majoli (Gabby Soliel)comes in an asks Mr. Campbell to teach her how to read better. Touching moments as the burly Campbell and this little girl connect. Meanwhile Campbell is coldly approached by the local Reverand Rahim with his pose,who questions his motives as to why would you make a retreat in a rough part of town? As the man of the cloth felt threatened by the Reading Room. One night the reading room was broken into and the computer was taken. Enter another user of the reading room Darrel (Keith Robinson) who found a place to study for the SAT exam which he can't do at home. Meanwhile Campbell is approached by the local grammar school teacher Diana (Joanna Cassidy) who sees the value of the reading room. She has a student Edgar (Austin Marquez)who excels in math but can't read. The character to watch for is the street kid with no future Javier (Douglas Spain) who was picked up for selling a stolen computer but instead of going to jail Mr. Campbell offers the boy a job at his establishment. Many road blocks in this heartwarming story of caring and growth as the credo of the reading room is More Care, Less hate. James Earl Jones gives an outstanding performance in subtle way, very restrained, even when his place is vandalized he hold this calming demeanor.I enjoyed the drastic change in the Javier character as he starts out as reluctant street hood to a productive coordinator of the reading room. This film also addresses how to overcome learning disabilities and of course the power of learning to read but most importantly giving something of yourself back to your community which is paramount in a person's character. I have to admit I got misty watching this lost cause grow into fruition.
This film has great entertainment value as well as moral value.
donald-w-west23 March 2006
James Earl Jones is an exceptional actor and his portrayal in this role is very comforting. I enjoyed this movie very much, for the following reasons: First it shed light on what a "reading room" is or should be about, with its attendant focus on the values of being able to read, study, and clearly articulate one's thoughts. I also liked the gentle pace and ambiance of this well-constructed story and movie production. It reinforced good family values and the qualities which make a man a man and a gentleman. Color and race had little to do with it; his criteria were his genuine love for others and a deep desire to help them prepare for life in every way he could. It is the story of how one man overcame every opposition to his dream and ended up giving a dream to many others who were disadvantaged. This is true godly character and should be a lesson to every one of us. It is a tribute to man's indomitable spirit; don't ever give up on your dream, if it is good and right!
An excellent "Do Onto Others" story. Great character portrayals.
hansann23 March 2006
This is a wonderful film for the whole family. Could also be used as a launching platform in a high school/college sociology class for development of many lessons. One can always hope that communities can and will come together to overcome bullies in all shapes and forms, as effectively as is shown in this film. We have to realize however that it will take longer than two hours, or even the number of days in the first calendar per the film. The techniques are good. The actions are up to the society of which we are all a part.
James Earl Jones plays the lead with his innate strength and dignity. The other cast members superbly act their characters per the script. In other words they do a masterful job, with so little time to develop it. Sad to say the high school principal probably exists too often.
Loved the few shots of the main character's home and garden. It was a great foil.
James Earl Jones plays the lead with his innate strength and dignity. The other cast members superbly act their characters per the script. In other words they do a masterful job, with so little time to develop it. Sad to say the high school principal probably exists too often.
Loved the few shots of the main character's home and garden. It was a great foil.
Wonderful, Compassionate Film! (A Must See)
Bobblehead32627 November 2005
To the Readers:
This is by far, now one of my favorite movies. As I was talking to a friend on AOL instant messanger, they told me that on the Hallmark channel would be a movie "The Reading Room" that they thought that I would enjoy it, so I decided to watch it.
Recently, I have felt as if I have had no friends. This movie made me feel like I was there, and like I had friends. Not a lot of movies, in my opinion, can make you feel as if you're actually there in the scene witnessing all of these acts that they actors put on. This movie fulfilled a lot of empty spaces. It is an enlightening movie that I feel everyone should see.
I really don't think this movie could use any improvement. All of the actors in it, really show compassion for their roles. I think the parts could not have been better done; They're as perfect as can be, in my opinion! I think you could be in the worst mood, and after watching this movie, you'll want to spread joy. I really hope after reading this, you all rent this movie... You won't regret it!
This is by far, now one of my favorite movies. As I was talking to a friend on AOL instant messanger, they told me that on the Hallmark channel would be a movie "The Reading Room" that they thought that I would enjoy it, so I decided to watch it.
Recently, I have felt as if I have had no friends. This movie made me feel like I was there, and like I had friends. Not a lot of movies, in my opinion, can make you feel as if you're actually there in the scene witnessing all of these acts that they actors put on. This movie fulfilled a lot of empty spaces. It is an enlightening movie that I feel everyone should see.
I really don't think this movie could use any improvement. All of the actors in it, really show compassion for their roles. I think the parts could not have been better done; They're as perfect as can be, in my opinion! I think you could be in the worst mood, and after watching this movie, you'll want to spread joy. I really hope after reading this, you all rent this movie... You won't regret it!
A beautiful gentle film, with a superb James Earl Jones
TheLittleSongbird21 May 2010
The Reading Room is a lovely underrated film about a man who makes good the promise he made to his dying wife, with good direction, great acting and a nice story, it is simple and sentimental but it was poignant and well meaning as well. Firstly, I loved the premise, it is very simple, but it is very effective and gentle as well, that's what mattered to me. The Reading Room also looks lovely with lovely cinematography and pleasant scenery, and the score adds to the gentle, poignant atmosphere. The Reading Room itself is a wonderful place to be too, you can read in peace there without feeling victimised or pressured in any way. Georg Stanford-Brown does an efficient and brisk job directing, and the cast are great, lead by a superb James Earl Jones who gives a performance of dignity, sensitivity and humanity so much so his character is lovable and easy to relate to. Joanna Cassidy is fine as well, as is Douglas Spain as Javier. They make the most of a well written script, and the film while perhaps a little too short moves quickly. Overall, a really pleasant and beautiful film, highly recommended. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Fantastic Film!
frogmomever2 December 2005
This is a beautiful story of human compassion and love for our "fellow man" at its finest! I won't go into detail about the story, since five others already have, but I will say that James Earl Jones' performance is absolutely perfect! He has always been one of my favorite actors, and I agree with one of the other commenters that this is probably his best film of all time! All of the other actors and actresses are excellent, as well. It is so very refreshing to find a movie that doesn't contain profanity, nudity, or anything sexual at all - proof that you don't have to have all that garbage to make a great movie! This is definitely worth seeing again and again!
A reading room is an eternal unmoving lighthouse in the middle of a dark stormy sea
sonuta28 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A heartwarming story about the last wish of running a reading room requested by a dying wife to a faithful husband. The room taught a little girl to read, facilitated employment of many underprivileged, brought the community together, helped a lost young man clear his university entrance etc. Its a story about changing lives one life at a time. No violence or obscenity makes it suitable to be watched by people of all ages and especially teachers and people who are looking for hope. Each actor has performed really well. This is how movies should be made.
Reading Room *** Fairy Tales Should Come True
edwagreen30 October 2007
This is a very nice film for people who aren't part of any educational system. Certainly, this is the way it is supposed to be.
When an affluent African-American becomes widowed, he adheres to the wishes of his deceased wife by returning to a deprived area and opening up a reading room.
When no interest is shown by the residents, he gives out free soda.
Eventually, things begin to fall into place nicely;even though Mr.Campbell, played marvelously by James Earl Jones, has his computer in the store stolen, and has a gun placed to his back.
As stated, things fall into place nicely. A militant Muslim group, that feels that Campbell is exploiting the neighborhood, comes around and helps out when the store is burned down. Someone accused of stealing the computer turns his life around and works for Campbell as a security guard. Naturally, he admits that he didn't take the computer. He was shielding a friend who would be facing a stiffer jail sentence. The children who can't read are suddenly masters at it. The film is cliché ridden. If these things were true to life, how come our urban schools continue to suffer in the way they do?
We need people to direct films telling the truth of what is going on in our schools. These films with sugar-coated endings are nice but totally unrealistic.
When an affluent African-American becomes widowed, he adheres to the wishes of his deceased wife by returning to a deprived area and opening up a reading room.
When no interest is shown by the residents, he gives out free soda.
Eventually, things begin to fall into place nicely;even though Mr.Campbell, played marvelously by James Earl Jones, has his computer in the store stolen, and has a gun placed to his back.
As stated, things fall into place nicely. A militant Muslim group, that feels that Campbell is exploiting the neighborhood, comes around and helps out when the store is burned down. Someone accused of stealing the computer turns his life around and works for Campbell as a security guard. Naturally, he admits that he didn't take the computer. He was shielding a friend who would be facing a stiffer jail sentence. The children who can't read are suddenly masters at it. The film is cliché ridden. If these things were true to life, how come our urban schools continue to suffer in the way they do?
We need people to direct films telling the truth of what is going on in our schools. These films with sugar-coated endings are nice but totally unrealistic.
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