Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sentimental
- sincere
- witty
- lazy sunday
- comfort viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the likable cast unable to overcome a mechanically assembled blend of literary comedy, inspirational drama, and Danny DeVito star vehicle.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bill Rago enters army basic training as a civilian teacher and must win over recruits and superiors.
Rago teaches Shakespeare to underachieving military recruits as part of their remedial education.
The ragtag recruits are in danger of failing basic training but unexpectedly inspire one another.
The film balances military-training situations with a feel-good teacher-student arc.
Films like Renaissance Man, and why
Dead Poets Society
shared inspirational teacher narrative, underdog students, and warm comedy-drama tone
Private Benjamin
shared military training setting, comedic recruits, and fish out of water premise
A League of Their Own
shared ensemble underdog structure, institutional pressure, and uplifting mentorship
Movie Details
- Director
- Penny Marshall
- Release Date
- 1994-06-03
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (329)
Cast
- Danny DeVito
- Gregory Hines
- James Remar
- Ed Begley Jr.
- Lillo Brancato
- Stacey Dash
- Kadeem Hardison
- Cliff Robertson
- Richard T. Jones
- Khalil Kain
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Renaissance Man about?
- A bankrupt advertising executive finds an unlikely second chance teaching Shakespeare to struggling army recruits during basic training.
- What is Renaissance Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Renaissance Man as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Renaissance Man violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Renaissance Man as mild.
- What did critics think of Renaissance Man?
- Critics broadly found the likable cast unable to overcome a mechanically assembled blend of literary comedy, inspirational drama, and Danny DeVito star vehicle.
- Which films are like Renaissance Man?
- Films with a similar feel include Dead Poets Society, Private Benjamin, and A League of Their Own.
- How long is Renaissance Man?
- Renaissance Man runs 128 minutes.
- Where can I watch Renaissance Man?
- In United States, Renaissance Man streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
