A Smile as Big as the Moon

A Smile as Big as the Moon is a 2012 Hallmark Hall of Fame made-for-television drama film. The inspirational movie is directed by James Sadwith and features notable performances from actors John Corbett, Jessy Schram, and Logan Huffman. The movie is based on the real-life story of Mike Kersjes with his autobiographical book of the same name serving as the script's main reference. Impressively executed and wonderfully heartfelt, this movie stirs up all the right feelings of hope, determination, and the resilient human spirit.

Set in the mid-1980s, the movie opens with John Corbett portraying Mike Kersjes, a special education teacher and football coach in a high school in Michigan. A man full of compassion and understanding, Kersjes is renowned for his unconventional, insightful teaching methods that are targeted towards nurturing his special needs students in the best possible manner. One day, he notices his class getting fascinated by the idea of space and space travel.

Inspired by their curiosity and boundless enthusiasm, Kersjes conceives the seemingly impossible dream of taking his special education class to NASA's Space Camp, an educational program generally reserved for gifted learning students. Positioned against a backdrop of lack of funds, bureaucratic roadblocks, and widespread skepticism, Kersjes embarks on a wildly ambitious journey to turn this dream into reality. His actions are based on his belief in the potential of his students and his determination to provide them with opportunities that they deserve but are unjustly denied due to their circumstances.

The film further introduces the character of Robynn McKinney, played by Jessy Schram, a newly assigned assistant to Kersjes in his ambitious mission. Struggling with her own skepticism initially, McKinney gradually starts aligning herself with the cause. She, along with Kersjes, starts motivating the special education students to believe in themselves.

Logan Huffman portrays Scott, one of the students. Huffman's character epitomizes the spectrum of hopes, dreams, and fears of all the special needs students in the class. Scott, an intelligent young boy with Tourettes, dreams of going to space but is fundamentally challenged by the misperceptions and barriers placed by society due to his physical condition.

As the plot unfolds, A Smile as Big as the Moon reflects on the journey of this group as they face hurdles in their mission. From winning over the parents' support to overcoming their own personal challenges, the film beautifully portrays the struggles and spirit of a marginalized group while steadily weaving in elements of humor, humility, and human bonds.

The movie deftly incorporates many themes, from friendship to determination, from overcoming adversities to the triumph of human spirit, all against the inspiring backdrop of the space adventure. The struggles and triumphs of special education students portrayed in the film resonate with the audience, enabling them to empathize with their journeys, accomplishments, and the joy of fulfilling their dreams.

John Corbett delivers an extraordinarily moving performance as the leading man. His portrayal of a dedicated and driven teacher will undoubtedly resonate with the audience. With her compelling performance, Jessy Schram amplifies the film's narrative and the emotional quotient, offering an inspiring mirror to our society. Moreover, Logan Huffman's vivid portrayal of a special education student is unforgettable, leaving viewers deeply touched by his journey.

A Smile as Big as the Moon is not just a film about defying odds and achieving dreams; it's also an exploration of the collective human spirit that backs the idea that everyone, despite their circumstances, deserves a shot at their dreams. With memorable performances, a heartwarming script, and a perfect balance of humor and emotional depth, the film serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of determination and belief.