Recess: School's Out

"Saving the world one playground at a time."

2001 1h 22m EN

👍

6.6

SOLID

★6.6TMDB · 383

FamilyAnimationComedy

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

The school year is finally ending, and T.J. Detweiler is looking forward to summer. But boredom quickly sets in when his friends leave for camp — until T.J. uncovers an evil plot to do away with summer vacation! A crazy former principal, Dr. Benedict, is planning to use a laser beam to alter the weather and create permanent winter. Faced with the dire threat of year-round school, T.J. rounds up the RECESS gang and bands together with some unexpected allies — Miss Finster and Principal Prickly — in a nonstop adventure to save everyone's summer break.

“Saving the world one playground at a time.”

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Cast

Andrew Lawrence
T.J. Detweiler (voice)
Rickey D'Shon Collins
Vince La Salle (voice)
Pamela Adlon
Spinelli (voice)
Ashley Johnson
Gretchen Grundler (voice)
Jason Davis
Mikey Blumberg (voice)
Courtland Mead
Gus Griswald (voice)
April Winchell
Ms. Finster / Mrs. Detweiller (voice)
Dabney Coleman
Principal Peter Prickly (voice)

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Chuck Sheetz
Writers: Jonathan Greenberg, Joe Ansolabehere, David Knott
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

82 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Made its money back 4.4× over at the box office.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

ERA

Did you know

25 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

CINEMA

Did you know

Part of the "Recess Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Denis M. Hannigan. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Tony Mizgalski shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Andrew Lawrence and Rickey D'Shon Collins and Pamela Adlon carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Saving the world one playground at a time.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Chuck Sheetz directs. Denis M. Hannigan scores. Tony Mizgalski cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Made its budget back several times over at the box office. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

182 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
2Made its money back 4.4× over at the box office.
325 years old — old enough to be someone's favourite childhood film.
4Part of the "Recess Collection" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
5Original score by Denis M. Hannigan. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
6Editor Tony Mizgalski shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Andrew Lawrence and Rickey D'Shon Collins and Pamela Adlon carry the top of the cast.
8Marketing tagline: "Saving the world one playground at a time.".
9IMDB entry: tt0265632 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Original score: Denis M. Hannigan
Editing: Tony Mizgalski
Sound: Ronald Eng
Runtime: 82 min · 1h 22m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $10,000,000
Box office: $44,460,850
Return: 445% of budget
Original language: EN
Certification (US): G
IMDB: Recess: School's Out (2001)

Part of

Recess Collection

The film collection follows the "Recess Gang," a group of young friends using creativity and resourcefulness to tackle school and neighborhood challenges. Central themes include friendship, teamwork, and courage, as the gang protects recess, prevents summer break cancellation, stands against bullying, and navigates daily life changes. These films appeal through childhood nostalgia, charming animated characters, and a blend of comedy, adventure, and drama. Each movie emphasizes the joy and innocence of childhood, the importance of unity, perseverance, and standing up for what's right. The vibrant animation and dynamic character designs enhance the captivating adventures.

Also by

Chuck Sheetz

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Community reviews

What people are saying

r96sk2020-07-12
★ 7/10
Enjoyable. I occasionally watched the television series when I was younger and remember liking it, so I guess it's no surprise that I had a good time with <em>'Recess: School’s Out'</em>. It features a pretty ridiculous plot but it's brought to life well by the characters and animation. All the former are good, each one with differing personalities. None of the voice cast standout majorly but they all fit perfectly and work together nicely. I rate the music used, also. A simple yet effective film, one that you'll rate if you find the TV episodes entertaining.

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