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The Reading Room

  • TV Movie
  • 2005
  • PG
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
736
YOUR RATING
James Earl Jones and Joanna Cassidy in The Reading Room (2005)
Drama

Making good on a promise he made to his dying wife, a widower (Jones) opens a reading room, a place where people can learn to read. Despite his goodwill, problems in the neighborhood threate... Read allMaking good on a promise he made to his dying wife, a widower (Jones) opens a reading room, a place where people can learn to read. Despite his goodwill, problems in the neighborhood threaten his establishment.Making good on a promise he made to his dying wife, a widower (Jones) opens a reading room, a place where people can learn to read. Despite his goodwill, problems in the neighborhood threaten his establishment.

  • Director
    • Georg Stanford Brown
  • Writer
    • Randy Feldman
  • Stars
    • James Earl Jones
    • Joanna Cassidy
    • Douglas Spain
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    736
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Georg Stanford Brown
    • Writer
      • Randy Feldman
    • Stars
      • James Earl Jones
      • Joanna Cassidy
      • Douglas Spain
    • 16User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 3 nominations total

    Photos1

    View Poster

    Top cast33

    Edit
    James Earl Jones
    James Earl Jones
    • William
    Joanna Cassidy
    Joanna Cassidy
    • Diana
    Douglas Spain
    Douglas Spain
    • Javier
    Keith D. Robinson
    Keith D. Robinson
    • Darrel
    • (as Keith Robinson)
    Monique Coleman
    Monique Coleman
    • Leesha
    Kathryne Dora Brown
    Kathryne Dora Brown
    • Jillian
    Gabby Soleil
    • Majoli
    Idris Muhammed
    • Stephen
    Austin Marques
    Austin Marques
    • Edgar
    • (as Austin Noah Marques)
    Jessica Szohr
    Jessica Szohr
    • Dayva
    • (as Jessica Karen Szohr)
    Spencir Bridges
    • Lamont
    Tim Reid
    Tim Reid
    • Douglas
    Georg Stanford Brown
    Georg Stanford Brown
    • Rahim
    Christian Monzon
    Christian Monzon
    • Omar
    Mike Gomez
    Mike Gomez
    • Keeley
    Jim Jansen
    • Dr. Miller
    Adam Crosby
    • Nick
    Jeanne Sakata
    Jeanne Sakata
    • Martha
    • Director
      • Georg Stanford Brown
    • Writer
      • Randy Feldman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    7.2736
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    Featured reviews

    10donald-w-west

    This film has great entertainment value as well as moral value.

    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!
    9pjdw2005

    Highly recommended for ages 12 and up

    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.
    10Bobblehead326

    Wonderful, Compassionate Film! (A Must See)

    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!
    9lavatch

    A Gentle Film With a Giant Performance!

    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.
    9billion_mucks

    Underlooked Emotional Masterpiece

    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.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      James Earl Jones's final television film appearance.
    • Soundtracks
      Mine For The Takin'
      Written by: Scott Nickoley, Jamie Dunlap, and Todd Jones

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 2005 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Читальня
    • Filming locations
      • Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Alpine Medien Productions
      • Hallmark Entertainment
      • Larry Levinson Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 33m(93 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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