James Earl Jones & Joanna Cassidy are at their best in this movie. Excellent "inner city" story. It would be nice to see more people doing this for the kids.

This was a wonderful movie. James Earl Jones (one of my personal favorites) plays the part of a recently widowed man who doesn't know what to do with himself after his wife's death.

Thinking of what his wonderful wife told him, he took on a project that many thought could not be done. But he showed what one man can do, as long as he has the patience and will to do so. In working on this project, he gained the love and trust from those he came in contact with, even those who doubted him, and his adversaries.

Just because everything is predictable about this modest film doesn't mean it's not worth watching. I thoroughly enjoyed it. An original Hallmark Channel production, THE READING ROOM introduces a simple but heartfelt story. James Earl Jones is simply grand as William Campbell, an affluent, elderly retired businessman who honors his dying wife's wish of opening a reading room in a rough inner city district. Striving to establish a welcoming atmosphere, William immediately does away with the protective bars on his windows. In the three months which follow, he overcomes several hurdles presented by an unenthused community and comes to foster in the local children a love for reading. That's the movie in a nutshell. But do yourself a favor and don't forego the simple, cozy pleasure you'll derive from watching THE READING ROOM. It's good.

James Earl Jones graces this movie with his stately, self-assured charm. There's just something so comforting about seeing him on screen, saying his dialogue in that deep and dignified voice of his. As mentioned, THE READING ROOM is predictable, but partly it's because I can't really see Mr. Jones not triumphing over the obfuscating school principal, the rather sinister reverend (who walks in with an entourage of bodyguards), and the initial resistance from the community. Even when he runs afoul of the local thugsters, I wasn't that worried. James Earl Jones simply has that presence.

A winning cast (kudos go to that little girl) and a heartwarming drama add up to something that the whole family can watch. THE READING ROOM is about honoring your loved ones, giving back to your roots, of gently perservering and of coming together, and developing a love for literature and education. Wonderful movie.