So much average

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I first heard about "Home Room" one night when I was reading an on-line list of The Most Disturbing Movies. I had saved about 5 movies on that list to my Netflix instant queued including this one. When I finally got to it on my list, I was expecting a violent bloody thriller, since most of the movies on that list included Last House on the Left, The Human Centipede, Martyrs, and The Lost. I couldn't have been more wrong. This was a great, emotional, sad, and intense drama about the aftermath of a school shooting. I enjoyed it so much that after streaming it on Netflix, I literally went to my computer and ordered the DVD. I don't know how I had never heard of this movie until 9 years after its release.The movie is about Deanna (Erika Christensen), a smart popular girl who is injured during the shooting and is in the hospital recovering. Not only is she recovering physically, but emotionally too. She still has nightmares and flashbacks of the incident. Alicia (Busy Philipps) is a goth-like loner with an attitude who also was in the room the shooting took place. The police have questioned Alicia due to the fact that she was friends with the shooter. When the principal forces Alicia to visit Deanna in the hospital, both of their lives begin to change. Even though they have nothing in common, they begin to form a bond and realize that they both do have something in common; they both are lonely and appreciate each other's company.The scenes with both Alicia and Deanna are very powerful. Christensen and Philipps do an extraordinary job of acting and its so believable. This, I believe, is both actresses best work in any of their films. I am not ashamed to say that I get very emotional every time I watch this movie; especially the ending. The most frustrating part about it all, is that hardly anybody even knows about this movie. I didn't until a month ago. I was happy to read such positive reviews on this film. Its a movie that will stay with you for a long time in a positive way. I read in the Trivia section that Richard Roeper wrote about this movie in his book, so I purchased his book and he made some great points about this film. It truly is a "Lost Film" that should have gotten more recognition. I think it should be re-released with more advertising. Its a shame that independent films don't always get the attention they should. The acting in "Home Room" is better than the acting in most of the films released the same year. I hope these positive reviews help spread the word about how great this movie is. I only wish I had watched it sooner. Definitely one of my favorites!

I'm from Belgium and therefore my English writing is rather poor, sorry for that...This is one of those little known movies that plays only once on TV and than seems to vanishes into thin air. I was browsing through my old VHS Video collection and came across this title, I looked it up and it had an IMDb score of more than 7/10, that's pretty decent.I must admit that it's a very well put together movie and that's why I'm puzzled. This is the only film made by this director...? How come he didn't make lots of films after this rather good one...? Someone with so much potential should be forced to make another movie, ha ha ;-) Anyway, I really would like to see that he pulls his act together and makes another good movie like this one, please.....?

At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch this movie when it came up on my guide so I looked it up on IMDb and thought the cover looked pretty cool so I thought I would give it a try expecting a movie like Elephant.Once I got past the fact that I am supposed to dislike the Alicia character played excellently by Busy Phillips, I realized what a good job this movie was doing toward setting up the relationship between Alicia and Deanna. Alicia is so mean to Deanna played by Erika Christensen almost throughout the entire movie but we eventually find out that they despite being polar opposites they have one thing in common besides being present at the shooting. They share loneliness and to what extent is revealed as the film progresses.I've just got to say how much I loved this movie and was glad to see all of the positive comments about it. I couldn't even get through Elephant because it just seemed to be exploiting the Columbine tragedy. This movie on the other hand was compelling and realistic. Busy Phillips acting is OFF the CHAIN!!! That is a good thing and I would love to see her progress into some more mature roles.

The industry dropped the ball on this. The trailer does not do the movie justice and when this opened it was on a hand full of screens. Had people had an opportunity to see this, work of mouth would have made it very successful. The 2 lead actresses each give great emotional performances that really draw you in to the story and especially the characters. I checked this out based on the rave recommendation Richard Roeper or (Ebert and Roeper) in his book. An example of a great film that never got fully released except on a few screens. Which gave it no chance to be seen. Some movies go to video quickly because they aren't that good. This is Oscar worthy and it's a tragedy on many levels that most will never even hear of it. Maybe via word of mouth it will gain a following on DVD or cable. If you haven't see this movie you should. Great performances of the 2 lead actresses make this movie. It could have just been another formulaic teen movie after school special but instead it stands up well to other note worthy films. Girl Interrupted comes to mind. If you like that you will like this. Both girls are in one amazing emotional scene after another without coming off as melodramatic. Even though Alicia is angry and Deanna is crying through most of the movie it is done is such a real way that they do not come off as stereotypical characters or as melodramatic. The movie will move you in many scenes and if you are an aspiring actor use these real performances as your school. Erica is even better in this than in Traffic. I hope both of these actors get more roles that utilize their talents as well and let them shine. See this movie and if you like, recommend to friends so it doesn't get lost among all the blockbuster crap that comes out every year. This movie was buried while Spiderman 2 tops records. What kind of word are we living in? AGHhh. So to make the world right again see this and recommend it.