Class Act

Although this documentary is being billed as “Morgan Spurlock Presents,” the Super Size Me filmmaker only serves as executive producer and turns up for a brief prologue appearance. The ostensible focus here is on Jay W. Jensen, a drama teacher at Miami Beach Senior High School who was dubbed “Teacher to the Stars” because several of his students went on to achieve prominence in show business (most notably actor Andy Garcia and filmmaker Brett Ratner). But viewers expecting a Goodbye, Mr. Chips-style tribute to a dedicated instructor will be disappointed here, as Jensen's career is elbowed aside to rail about the issue of severe cuts to arts education: after 30 years, Miami Beach's drama classes have been dropped from the high school's curriculum. The federal “No Child Left Behind Act” is blamed for the funding problems, as Class Act wanders off into Bush-bashing territory. The film occasionally brings in Jensen's famous students to talk about the importance of the arts in public schools, and Jensen himself—when he is allowed camera time—comes across as a charming and articulate advocate for arts education. It's a shame that director Sara Sackner passed up the chance to pay proper respect to Jensen, instead creating this political screed. DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette and extended interviews with Jensen's prominent alumni. Libraries may want to consider this for the material on contemporary arts education, but Class Act is disappointing, overall. Optional. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall)