Is A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students, a standout production of 2008, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Who wouldn’t love to be a fly on the proverbial wall, watching new candidates being trained to have sex—presumably for the very first time—with other guys? In the finale to the second series of Personal Trainers we come closest to being that lucky fly. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Who wouldn’t love to be a fly on the proverbial wall, watching new candidates being trained to have sex—presumably for the very first time—with other guys? In the finale to the second series of Personal Trainers we come closest to being that lucky fly. With Josh Elliot, Sebastian Bonnet, Alex Orioli and Manuel Rios, "the team puts the final group of trainees through their paces." Luke Hamill, who was a trainee himself in A+, now trains newbies in Bel Ami’s current release, A+2. Josh is in the Bel Ami office on a Saturday, busily working … playing video games on the company computer. He gives Marty Stevens the excuse he’s on his break as he awaits the arrival of Luke with their trainee for the day, Yann Tiersen, the cover boy. Yann is "a little bit of a rebel" who wants to be a waiter, even though his parents sent him to business school. Plus, "he’s a complete party animal." He should fit right in at Bel Ami for the boys definitely know how to party."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Alex Orioli provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Marty Beavins is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 106 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2008 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Marty Beavins respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Alex Orioli or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A+2: The Personal Trainers Grade Their Final Students is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.