| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 17, 2011

The play's the thing -- the only thing -- here

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 6, 2010

In attempting to absolve the perverse actions of a teacher on the basis of his apparent tutoring skills, Alan Bennett has created a dubious work of fiction that is beyond empathy or humor.

| Original Score: C- | Apr 15, 2009

The History Boys is much less about lighting and composition than it is about Bennett's sharp, insightful script.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 20, 2008

The transfer from stage to film doesn't always go smoothly, as it's hard to shake the film's theater roots.

| Original Score: C+ | Dec 19, 2007

Movies, unlike plays, tend to be just about a very few things, or they feel rushed and overly sweeping, as this one occasionally did. Plays can linger and chew on their themes and keep the audience engaged much more easily.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 2, 2007

With the writing way above board and insights fueling the story forward with heart and bawdy comedy, "The History Boys" is amiably off-center, sure, but it finds its core and leaves its mark.

| Original Score: B+ | May 1, 2007

A hugely enjoyable outing of subtle humour, witty words and a keen insight into human nature and the art of learning.

| Apr 28, 2007

[History Boys] is most potently about the love of teaching, and how the best teachers can help give meaning to existence; and if not meaning in the grand sense, at least an appreciation of what it means to be human.

| Apr 23, 2007

What lifts this film above the average is the extremely clever, erudite and witty dialogue.

| Original Score: B | Mar 16, 2007

.. gentle and sweet, ..all the more charming for its faith in its presumptive audience. It's heartening to come across a popular entertainment ...not pitched at the dull normal demographic.

Full Review | Original Score: 85/100 | Mar 9, 2007

| Original Score: 3/6 | Feb 3, 2007

refreshing--a film that doesn't insult the audience's intelligence

| Original Score: A- | Jan 24, 2007

I was sad when school let out. The characters are so rich I wanted to spend more time with them.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 17, 2007

It's too bad that the film loses its way because The History Boys asks some interesting questions about what to learn and how to use it.

| Original Score: C | Jan 2, 2007

| Original Score: A | Dec 30, 2006

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 30, 2006

If you like your British movies quick, raunchy, reflective, and bittersweet, then The History Boys is for you.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 30, 2006

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 30, 2006

In the world of movies, it's a rare treat to find anything as sophisticated and witty as Alan Bennett's screenplay.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 28, 2006