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18 of 19 found the following review helpful:
 Renaissance Man in the ClassroomJun 01, 2003
By Eileen Cunningham
Believe it or not, I've used *Renaissance Man* in the classroom for a couple of reasons. When we study the Renaissance in World History, our text makes reference to Leon Battista Alberti, the scholar and architect who, from a standing start and with his feet together, could leap over a man's head. The DeVito character, in his efforts to get his students interested in Shakespeare, makes reference to Alberti in one scene in the movie, so I couldn't resist showing that clip in my class. Then, since I taught the same students (high school freshmen) in English, I also showed all the clips related to the teaching of *Hamlet*. I've been patiently waiting for the DVD to come out so I won't have to do the slow "fast forwarding" and can just leap to the clips I want. The students usually get caught up in the characters as well, which is pure serendipity for me!
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 An all-time favoriteJul 07, 2001
By tzefirah
"tzefirah"
I am not in the habit of buying videos to keep, but I had to buy this one. I'm sure I've seen it 10 times by now. Whoever said that Shakespeare is hard to read is not remembering that Shakespeare started out as drama for the masses, not for the literati of his day.This movie has been overlooked, which is a real shame. Definitely what you would call a sleeper. I never get tired of seeing it.
15 of 16 found the following review helpful:
Almost all it could be...Aug 23, 2000
By Bill Lincicome
which really isn't a bad thing at all. "Renaissance Man" does a pretty good job of depicting military basic training with a few laugh-out-loud scenes along the way -- especially the "sniff-n-git" approach to chow time (what great memories!). I especially liked Gregory Hines' character (Drill Sergeant Cass) emphasizing the daunting task of transforming civilians into soldiers capable of saving lives in combat. Sergeant Cass and Bill Rago may come from entirely different perspectives, but, like one of the primary goals of military basic training, the two men realize they're on the same team and gradually develop a respect for each other's duty. I also liked the scene where Private Benitez, who does a dead-on Jake LaMotta impression throughout the movie, presents a moving soliloquy from Henry V during his company's bivouac ("on St. Crispin's Day"). Mark Wahlberg (who I suppose graduated basic training and moved on to "Three Kings"!), the lovely Stacey Dash (who isn't given enough to do) and the wonderfully restrained Richard T. Jones (Private Jackson Leroy) round out a solid cast. A few minor things prevent this from being a 5-star movie (I actually give it 4 1/2 stars): 1) I felt sorry for the soldier (Private Hobbs) who was busted for his past history of selling drugs -- but hey, he didn't seem too sorry about it when he got caught, did he? At least he was trying to better himself in the slammer... 2) The "white boys ain't got no rhythm" crack is pretty played out (even if it is true). 3) I was disappointed not to find "United", the track played during the closing credits, on the soundtrack. Great song! Last item -- they way the movie ended, it sort of left the door open for a follow-up of some sort. Was there a TV series made of this (I've been overseas for a LONG time!) Hope someone can answer this in a future review.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
A Shakespeare Lover's Companion in Odd WaysJun 18, 2003
By Ann Margolis
Renaissance Man is the Hamlet or Shakespeare lover's companion. Not only is it a good movie with a great plot, it includes major themes and characters of Hamlet connected to unlikely modern comparisons spread out in a different fashion. The movie includes interpretations of the play Hamlet itself, as well as, a three minute rap that is an Ode to Hamlet and a short excerpt from the play Henry V. The movie also combines a great overall message that no matter how little you have or are given you can succeed in life. It also shows that no matter how much others put you down, if you believe in yourself, you have the potential for greatness. Other ironies include Mark Wahlburg playing a non-homeboy hick that cannot keep a beat. Overall it is a great movie with great connections and wonderful, heartfelt messages. Any lover of Shakespeare must see this movie!
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
We few, We happy fewApr 14, 2006
By K. D. Costley, Jr.
Renaissance Man is truly one of the better movies created to show a realistic picture of early Army training. Gregory Hines, as the Drill Instructor, doesn't have the time to nursemaid the "duds" that the system has sent him. So the system brings in a specialist to bring them up to speed. The building of self-respect is critical to the formation of these individuals into soldiers and the movies does a fine job of showing their progression from civilian to soldier.
Finally, the "St. Crispin's Day" speech from "Henry V" by the recruit was truly inspiring. No matter how many times I hear it, I still get misty and covered in goose-bumps. "We few, we happy few - We band of brothers" truly describes the bond between soldiers.
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