A Smile as Big as the Moon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Smile as Big as the Moon
A Smile as Big as the Moon movie poster.jpg
Written byThomas Rickman
Directed byJames Steven Sadwith
StarringJohn Corbett
Jessy Schram
Cynthia Watros
Logan Huffman


David Lambert


E. Roger Mitchell

Moira Kelly
Mike Pniewski
Louise Linton
Theme music composerMark Adler
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersPat Chapman
Cameron Johann
Shawn McClaren
Dan Paulson
Brent Shields
CinematographyRoy H. Wagner
EditorMichael D. Ornstein
Production companyHallmark Hall of Fame
Release
Original networkABC
Original release
  • January 29, 2012 (2012-01-29)
[1]
Chronology
Preceded byHave a Little Faith
Followed byFirelight

A Smile as Big as the Moon is a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie. The film debuted on ABC on January 29, 2012.[1]

John Corbett stars in this film based on the 2002 memoir of the same title by teacher Mike Kersjes and Joe Layden.[2] The movie shows the challenges Kersjes faced as he worked to bring out the best from his special education students by taking them to Space Camp, which had, until that time been perceived as a program best suited to advanced science and math students, well beyond the reach of special education students. Several actors playing students in the film have Down syndrome, autism and/or learning disabilities.[1]

Plot[]

Ben, a student with Down syndrome, in Mike Kersjes's Forest Hills Northern High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan, special education class, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Kersjes, who is also a football coach is inspired to pursue Space Camp for his students. Obstacles mount as school administrators object to the expense and Space Camp officials have no experience with special-ed students. Teacher Robynn McKinney supports Kersjes's efforts.[1]

Eventually the trip is approved by the necessary parties, and Kersjes faces another set of challenges: fundraising, preparing the students for their trip with science and physical education, and battling bullying and belittling from other students. Kersjes engages the football team in these endeavors.[1]

Filming[]

The film was shot primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina and at United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.[3] One scene used Sky Theater inside Ingram Planetarium of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, which was adapted to appear as a planetarium would have in 1988. Filming took place there September 28, 2011.[4]

Cast[]

  • John Corbett as Mike Kersjes: A high school special education teacher who takes his class to Space Camp
  • Jessy Schram as Robynn McKinney
  • Cynthia Watros as Dr. Deborah Barnhart
  • Logan Huffman as Scott Goudy: A boy with Dyslexia and anger management problems who hates being in special ed.
  • as Stephanie Reinks: A girl with ADD and Bipolar disorder. She is also never one to let anything slide.
  • as Lisa Casey: A girl with ADHD and OCD. She is also the class tattletale.
  • as Ben Schmidt: A boy with Down syndrome.
  • David Lambert as Steve Bennett: A boy with ADHD and Tourette syndrome. He is the most hyperactive student in the class.
  • as Matt Snyder: A boy with Autism. He is a whiz of mathematics and science.
  • Kesun Loder (K'Sun Ray) as Lewis Dayhuff: A boy with Dyslexia. He lives with his 13th foster family, and also had a temper that made Scott seem tame.
  • as Jamal Davis: A boy who is mentally slow and slow to get agitated. He is the most quiet student.
  • as Adam Plowright: A boy with Autism and OCD. He is the class gentle giant with a "heart that matches his size".
  • E. Roger Mitchell as Tom Keller: The principal at Forest Hills Northern High School.
  • as Dennis Schmidt: The father of Ben Schmidt.
  • Moira Kelly as Darcy Kersjes: The wife of Mike Kersjes.
  • Mike Pniewski as Big Dan: The owner of a fast food restaurant called Big Dan's Burger Shed.
  • Louise Linton as Julie: The counselor for the team "Big Dan's Burger Shed".
  • Fred Griffith as Judge

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e Cargill, Sarah (January 8, 2012). "'A Smile As Big As the Moon' Airs ABC January 29th". Retrieved February 2, 2012.
  2. ^ "A Smile as Big as the Moon". Library of Congress Online Catalog. Library of Congress. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
  3. ^ "'A Smile as Big as the Moon' starring John Corbett airs at 9 tonight on ABC (Video)". 29 January 2012.
  4. ^ Palisin, Steve (2012-01-22). "N.C. planetarium has starring role in upcoming TV movie". The Sun News. Retrieved 2012-01-25.[permanent dead link]

External links[]

Retrieved from ""