A Smile as Big as the Moon

2012 "A special education teacher, his class, and their inspiring journey through U.S. space camp."
A Smile as Big as the Moon
7.7| 1h35m| PG| en| More Info
Released: 29 January 2012 Released
Producted By: Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Mike Kersjes is a special-education teacher and football coach in Michigan. Mike doesn’t talk down to his "special" students. He respects them, and he believes they’re capable of achieving great things. When Mike hears about Space Camp, a competitive education program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, he gets an idea. Even though the program is designed for gifted science students, Mike decides participating in the summer program would do wonders for the self-esteem of his young students, one in particular who wants to be an astronaut.

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SnoopyStyle Mike Kersjes (John Corbett) is the special ed teacher and football coach. Robynn McKinney (Jessy Schram) is his eager new co-teacher. His students run the gamete along the behavioral problem spectrum. He struggles to make the program work and connect with his kids. Kersjes comes up with an idea to shoot for space camp. Camp director Dr. Deborah Barnhart (Cynthia Watros) is initially reluctant.The story is simple. The acting is anchored by a couple of good actors. Some of the kids seem to be played by real handicapped kids and they deliver some real emotional power. The overall story may not be that dramatic but there is plenty of goodness here especially in the little moments.
lovedbymyabba I stumbled upon this program as I was doing homework for my instructional Strategy for Students at Risk class. I have never reviewed anything for IMDb, but wanted to promote "Moon." I found it particularly true and exciting to see the teacher's revelation (via his wife) to take such a complex curriculum (such as space camp's), and make it work for his class for students with LD (Learning Disabilities). They had one year to prepare for the program, and the co-teachers put together "something" for this purpose. It was totally successful. You can see some differentiated instruction techniques in process. Also, the fact that it is not uncommon for students with LD to have exceptional or significant gifts was reflected. It showed many aspects of the struggles and triumphs of students with LD. I liked how the teachers pushed their students beyond themselves. This movie shows all of us how acceptance, encouragement (and cheer leading), perseverance, and teamwork is accomplished. I'd like to say more, but I don't want to ruin it for you.A Smile as Big as the Moon told us a story. Hallmark did it well, made it believable, and imparted a little vision for all of us. Did you catch it?
Sam-953-169285 This movie is missing the most important part; the part that very few writers can understand and therefore the world desperately needs. This movie is missing the good feelings; the support and understanding and the love. If you do not understand that, then you also need to see the part that is missing.I truly doubt that the real-life teacher motivated by yelling and criticizing as was shown in this movie.I think this movie does a great disservice to the world by giving the impression that this is the way that great things are accomplished. I hope someday someone will make movies show how love is really done.
astymegoesby I saw an advert for this movie in a few magazines and I was psyched to see this movie.It did not air on Hallmark channel as advertised, and aired on the ABC Network.The movie is 2 hours long (separated by commercials) - broken up into 3 parts.Part one: Introductions to the cast members, their respective illnesses, ADD ADHD, etc... The actors were horrible and at times insensitive.Part two: Raising money for Space Camp which the wanted to go.. After a few weeks of striking out trying to raise $50,000, this burger guy just hands a check for 50K.. PREDICTABLE Part three: Space Camp, loosely interpreted, the kids experience the full-range of what space camp has to offer and of course during their mission something goes wrong.. Someone panics,, its OK... they land, win an award and everyone is wonderful.WASTE OF TIME! TOTAL GARBAGE. You want to watch a movie about space camp... GO WATCH THE REAL "SPACE CAMP"