Far from Perfect, Far from Terrible

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Love this and its not my usual thing (bit of a contrast with Walking Dead), a very lively, upbeat, heartfelt message. Deals with real issues in - I would imagine - every public school in Europe and the USA. The acting is first rate and the humor funny, even though its very family friendly (unlike some of Rita). Hjørdis herself is a delight, with all the elements of a sad, pathetic character she is, in fact, the complete opposite. Judging by IMDb the child actors haven't done anything else but they were all fantastic. It doesn't matter that the outcome is totally predictable, its that kind of show - we don't want shock factor here, just a safe little world in which Hjørdis always triumphs. That's why its such a good interlude to the heavier Scandinavian stuff my wife and I usually watch (The Bridge being a fine example). t'm just hoping they make a second series.

Loved the miniseries 'Hjordis' and watching her fly solo - as lead. I've become addicted to the series, 'Rita', (from which 'Hjordis' is a spin-off) crisp and raw in every way possible. Yet I'm to the point of fast forwarding through Rita's random acts of sex. One epiphany in Rita was "The Basement" episode where Hjordis, Rita, and Halle are entering a funeral and it is suddenly obvious all three of them are equal heroes -- in unflappable efforts for the kids -- and in the dysfunctions that propel them forward. Hjordis is the clean version of Rita. Hjordis is the justice-seeking, emotional standard-bearer we wish we could be. She only need seek a little nudge from Dad, (Rita), or others - when her efforts to appease the masses turn on her and move right past in the wrong direction. Once nudged, just give her a moment for her creativity to kick-start and offer her an alternate path and Hjordis has newly born gusto and determination. Loved it!

It took me a minute to adjust from 'Rita', one of my all-time favorite shows. Her name is 'Hjordis'. They may teach in the same school. They may both be strong characters. But their worlds are very different. Their strength is expressed very differently.You might say that this is the G-rated cousin of 'Rita'. The intended audience is clearly much younger or broader. The focus is on a group of kids brought together to create a variety show to commemorate anti-bullying week/month (?) directed by Hjordis--with added pressure coming from the anticipated attendance of a member of the Royal Family.At first, I was a little disappointed that we don't see Rita at least fly by in the background or something (or that I didn't catch it if she did). But Hjordis has learnt to stand on her own. After seeing it, I think everyone involved was wise (intentionally or not) to have her fly solo here. I think that Helle (the headmaster) is the only other character the two series had in common.While it isn't flawless, it's much better than most other 'family' or children's programming or films I've seen. I don't think that it was condescending as most US and Canadian programming I've seen has seemed, attempting to address bullying/the differences among us issues with kids. This is not my genre. Without having seen 'Rita', I'd have still enjoyed it greatly. But having already seen three seasons of 'Rita' probably helped. If you've found it on-line, try it.