Two determined mothers, one a teacher, look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.
It’s allegedly “inspired by true events”, but in much the same way that Yogi Bear is based on an actual bear.
Lightweight in how it handles a complex issue, rattling along in what is an inconsequential but heartfelt drama.
But worse than the fact that the film is transparently conservative, anti-union propaganda, is the problem that it assumes the audience is in some way educationally subnormal too, and needs everything explained in the simplest of terms.
Everything about it feels formulaic and perfunctory.
As terrible as it sounds.
It is well meant, undoubtedly about something that matters, and it bends over backwards not to trash the teachers' unions gratuitously, but amid the attempts at gritty reality, I found the happy-ending imperative unconvincing.
It is said to have been financed and sponsored by rightwing organisations eager to undermine public education, is certainly deeply hostile to unions (as was Walt Disney who created the studio that made this film) and is an altogether crude, melodramatic and unhelpful picture.
‘Dumbing down’ a film about educational reform defeats any point; while proficiently made, Won’t Back Down’s glib feel-good message deserves to fall on deaf ears.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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