neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The Emperor's Club
	Michael Hoffman Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Embeth Davidtz, Rob Morrow, Edward Hermann, Harris Yulin, Patrick Dempsey, Steven Culp, Joel Gretsch, Jesse Eisenberg, Paul Dano, Rishi Mehta 2002		"The Emperor's Club" is in the mode of "Dead Poets Society," only this time dependable Kevin Kline instead of hyper Robin Williams is the dedicated, generous-hearted instructor. The setting is a posh, ivy-covered prep school. A concerned teacher is dedicated to "reaching" his students, especially the underachieving or balky ones. Think this ground is already well-plowed? (Hello, "Mr. Chips.") Although a 1972 academic competition between classmates at St. Benedict's pushes the plot, "The Emperor's Club" includes a "Where are they now?" segment that isn't the usual brief wrap-up; it's a full-fledged finale. The key relationship is the one between popular, impassioned history teacher William Hundert (Kline) and disruptive new pupil Sedgewick Bell (Emile Hirsch of "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys"). Hundert thinks that Bell, son of an arrogant U.S. senator, has the right stuff for greatness if he applies himself. Bell wants to raise hell. "The Emperor's Club" feels puffed up at times and thin at others, although it espouses worthwhile lessons about honor, decency and dedication. With Embeth Davidtz, Rob Morrow and Edward Hermann.