Freedom Writers Review by Jessica Film Junkie (2 Stars)

Freedom Writers Review by Jessica Film Junkie (2 Stars) | MatchFlick

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Movie Details

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Starring:
Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton, Jason Finn, Hunter Parrish, Deance Wyatt, April L. Hernandez, Mario, Kristin Herrera, Sergio Montalvo, Deance Wyatt, Vanetta Smith, Gabriel Chavarria, Antonio Garc�a, Jacklyn Ngan

Directed By:
Richard LaGravenese

Written By:
Richard LaGravenese, Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers (2007)

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Movie Review by Jessica Film Junkie
March 8th, 2008

Bad Writing

Yes we have been there and done that when it comes to well-intentioned teachers coming to the ghetto and finding the diamonds in the rough, and though this film is heart-warming and genuine in a way the others aren't, it isn't exactly re-inventing the wheel.

At least with 'Dangerous Minds' there was a sweet soundtrack and Michelle Pfeiffer kicked some ass. Here, Hilary Swank smiles and cries her way through the educational system until the students start magically learning and identifying with Anne Frank.

Yes, we get the sense of the gang life in LA in the early 90's, but we never really get to understand the woman behind the message. Swank does her best with a lamely written role, but not even an actress as skilled as she can make us like her cheesy-pearl-necklace-wearing-bleeding-heart.

Imelda Staunton is also far too good an actress for the b*tchy resentful old-school-style teacher who won't stand for Swank's changes. Patrick Dempsey attempts to make us like him without a chance to see is point of view as Swank's ignored husband.

The most watchable part of this movie is when we see the students growing and changing under her direction, however at times it seems like the film is trying to wring the emotions out of us rather than letting them happen.

In the end, this is not a film about how a great teacher can change lives, but instead it is the story of a teacher who befriended her class and became the rock that got them through high school. As they say in the film, this is a family, and it is clearly not an example of how to be a great teacher, only a good friend.

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