Fred Williamson's directorial debut is a movie targeted for teen agers. This comedy, with black overtones, is not a total failure. The story line is not the best asset of the film, which presents us with a situation that doesn't go anywhere, as it brings a cruel side on the young people in the story that doesn't ring true.

Mrs. Tingle, a tyrannical history professor, clearly dislikes most of the students in her senior class. Leigh Ann, an earnest young woman needs whatever help she can get from her teacher in order to get the scholarship she so desperately needs. It is clear Leigh Ann will never get any sympathy from Mrs. Tingle.

The situation deteriorates when Luke, one of the guys in Mrs. Tingle's class gets hold of the final exam and shows it to Leigh Ann and Joe Lynn, her best friend who has a crush on the young man. Mrs. Tingle happens to walk on them and discovers it on Leigh Ann's bag. The chances for the scholarship, and the possible for an expulsion from school, are almost assured.

Instead of confessing, Luke, doesn't even open his mouth. He lets Mrs. Tingle walk out vowing she'll do whatever to have them punished. Expusion is a possibility for the trio. So what do they do? They go to Mrs. Tingle's home wanting to make amends, but she is unmoved. One thing leads to another as they try to get her to change her mind about the theft of the exam, something she will never even consider.

The best thing in the movie is Helen Mirren. She is perfect as the lonely teacher who loves to mock and ridicule the young people under her. She is a frustrated woman who has no life, but who loves to make fun of others because basically she doesn't tolerate the fact that some other people are happy.

Katie Holmes, plays Leigh Ann. She is not as effective here as in some other films. Barry Watson and Marisa Caughlan are Leigh's friends. Jeffrey Tambor only has one scene in the film, but he makes the best out of it. Molly Ringwald, Miichael McKean and Vivica Fox are seen in supporting roles.

"Teaching Mrs. Tingle" doesn't break new ground, but it keeps the viewer involved in it.