Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysToronto Int'l Film FestivalHispanic Heritage MonthIMDb Stars to WatchSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

Front of the Class

  • TV Movie
  • 2008
  • PG
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
10K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,519
906
Front of the Class (2008)
BiographyDrama

Despite being challenged by Tourette Syndrome from a young age, Brad Cohen defies all odds to become a gifted teacher.Despite being challenged by Tourette Syndrome from a young age, Brad Cohen defies all odds to become a gifted teacher.Despite being challenged by Tourette Syndrome from a young age, Brad Cohen defies all odds to become a gifted teacher.

  • Director
    • Peter Werner
  • Writers
    • Thomas Rickman
    • Brad Cohen
    • Lisa Wysocky
  • Stars
    • James Wolk
    • Treat Williams
    • Dominic Scott Kay
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.1/10
    10K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    3,519
    906
    • Director
      • Peter Werner
    • Writers
      • Thomas Rickman
      • Brad Cohen
      • Lisa Wysocky
    • Stars
      • James Wolk
      • Treat Williams
      • Dominic Scott Kay
    • 46User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos29

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 22
    View Poster

    Top cast92

    Edit
    James Wolk
    James Wolk
    • Brad Cohen
    • (as Jimmy Wolk)
    Treat Williams
    Treat Williams
    • Norman Cohen
    Dominic Scott Kay
    Dominic Scott Kay
    • Young Brad Cohen
    Sarah Drew
    Sarah Drew
    • Nancy Lazarus
    Kathleen York
    Kathleen York
    • Diane
    Joe Chrest
    Joe Chrest
    • Jim Ovbey
    Patricia Heaton
    Patricia Heaton
    • Ellen Cohen
    Johnny Pacar
    Johnny Pacar
    • Jeff
    Charles Henry Wyson
    Charles Henry Wyson
    • Young Jeff
    Charlie Finn
    Charlie Finn
    • Ron
    Dianne Butler
    • Hilarie Straka
    Helen Ingebritsen
    Helen Ingebritsen
    • Susan
    Laura Whyte
    • Brenda
    Mike Pniewski
    Mike Pniewski
    • Principal Myer
    Michael H. Cole
    Michael H. Cole
    • Principal Fowler
    Katherine Shepler
    Katherine Shepler
    • Heather
    Bryce Wilkins
    • Gaylon
    Zack Miller
    • Thomas
    • Director
      • Peter Werner
    • Writers
      • Thomas Rickman
      • Brad Cohen
      • Lisa Wysocky
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews46

    8.110.4K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    allanallansantos

    How strong and persistent we are?

    I liked this movie and recommend it cause it shows that no obstacle can stop us to achieve our dreams. For Cohen, the dream is to become a teacher, and for me, it could be any other dream. This story teaches me to persist and never give up. It's a beautiful motivation story and at every step that Cohen walks, in his trials and (a lot of) failures we can reflect and question ourselves: How strong and persistent we are in the pursuits of our goals?
    8SAMTHEBESTEST

    Backed by the great story of Brad Cohen this one make a front of the Classic Heart-touching drama.

    Front Of The Class (2008) : Brief Review -

    Backed by the great story of Brad Cohen this one make a front of the Classic Heart-touching drama. I have never seen any Hallmark Hall Of Fame TV films yet but I've heard quite mixed reactions about it. Some people say, HHF shows sappy films while some says that they always bring good stories. I don't wanna choose any side because i don't think i will be watching any movie from this club any time soon unless i hear or read something outstanding so, I would rather talk about this flick individually than comparing with other films of the club. I don't know what good or bad films HHF has showed but this one is a Classic! That's a big statement because i use that word only for some real classy stuff. Front Of The Class is a docudrama about the persistency of Brad Cohen Brad who, despite being challenged by Tourette's Syndrome at a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. It shows us that how so called normal people of the society behave abnormally when they meet weirdo, doesn't matter if it has an incurable medical condition. With this film, we learn a lot about life and people's perspective of looking at things, especially the ones with special conditions. But mainly, it is a high-spirited and inspirational drama which will fill your life with hopes and empty all the negative thoughts one has during tough situation. As it says, "It's ok to be weird", then why is it not ok to accept the weird? James Wolk as Adult and Dominic Scott Kay as child Brad Cohen give performances to remember. They handle all the challenging parts with accuracy and make it look natural. Supporting cast fine, screenplay is very good, dialogues are nice and direction is Superb. Overall, it's a Classic emotional and motivational drama which should not be missed. Never let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.

    RATING - 8/10*

    By - samthebestest.
    10carter101-1

    Superb hard-hitting drama!

    I came home from work today, switched on my TV and randomly put a film on, and it happened to be this, and i was instantly drawn to it! this genre of films usually doesn't get me interested but the main actor, was fantastic, the adult version of Brad Cohen was excellent in his role! and you instantly liked him,the film develops well and you get to know the characters quickly and efficiently. I also loved the relationship problem between brad and his dad, just to make you feel even more sympathetic towards brad. There are some sad scenes that can make you upset, but there are superb scenes which have you laughing! i would highly recommend this film! 10/10
    10rjwilson2-1

    Very well done movie

    I was looking for other movies that Dominic Scott Kay had done and stumbled on this one and I bought it and then I remembered seeing advertisement for its airing, but sadly never watched it.

    This was the best movie I have ever seen and have never heard of Tourett's Syndrome. the acting was superb from everyone even to the little kids. Jimmy was great and really looks like an older Dominic. We loved Dominic in the Santa movies and on NCIS as the boy scout.

    I will only support the Tourette cause, I hope the real Brad Cohen stays happy and is a true role model for anyone with disabilities.

    I hope you will do a follow-up movie. I would like to see more from Jimmy and of course Dominic.
    8arthur_tafero

    Best Handicapped Film Since The Miracle Worker - Front of the Class

    Yes, the film is a bit corny and goody-goody, and yes, it does resemble a Disney production. But in the end, it will make you a better person for having seen and understanding it. Tourette's Syndrome is not a joke as it is portrayed insensitively by South Part and Cartman; it is an incurable, miserable, handicap that requires an extremely resilient personality to withstand. Brad Cohen was that type of person; one who fought "his companion" tooth and nail for his entire young life. If you can't get inspired by this film, then there is probably very little in life that will ever inspire you. Like the films The Miracle Worker and My Left Foot, it is a story about beating overwhelming odds to gain entry into that most common of all societies; the every-day person of the work world. It is amazing what we all take for granted. After seeing this film, you might appreciate what you have in life a little bit more.

    More like this

    The Ron Clark Story
    7.6
    The Ron Clark Story
    Front of the Class
    Hichki
    7.5
    Hichki
    Guiding Emily
    7.8
    Guiding Emily
    Freedom Writers
    7.6
    Freedom Writers
    The Water Is Wide
    7.0
    The Water Is Wide
    Gifted
    7.6
    Gifted
    Halftime
    Halftime
    Temple Grandin
    8.2
    Temple Grandin
    Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
    7.4
    Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
    Waking Marshall Walker
    7.1
    Waking Marshall Walker
    The Wish Swap
    6.7
    The Wish Swap

    Related interests

    Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)
    Biography
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The real Brad Cohen appears as an extra in the film during the school orchestra recital as a teacher standing at the back of the hall in a colorful tie.
    • Quotes

      Brad Cohen: I get that look a lot, but I never let it get to me.

    • Connections
      Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)
    • Soundtracks
      Baby, Don't Forget My Number
      Performed by Milli Vanilli

      Sung by Sarah Drew and James Wolk

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 7, 2008 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame: Front of the Class (#58.1)
    • Filming locations
      • Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
    • Production companies
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
      • McGee Street Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 35m(95 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1
      • 1.78 : 1 / (letterbox)

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.