Won't Back Down

BEING POOR SUCKS AND MY KID CAN'T READ
Filmed in Pittsburgh, the new Hollywood of the east, this film is more fictional than fact. It was inspired by a California law for failing schools. Pennsylvania does not have such a law as yet.

Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a working single mom with a dyslexic daughter (Emily Alyn Lind) who is not getting the attention she needs at school. Unable to move or pay for her child to go to a better school, Jamie joins with a teacher (Viola Davis) in an attempt to take over the school's charter. It is an uphill battle as she must convince apathetic parents. Teachers must also be convinced to give up their union security so they can eliminate substandard teachers with tenure.

The struggles portrayed in the film were light compared to reality. The film is an emotional roller coaster ride. The movie was well acted. Because of the topic, the film engages in some union bashing while trying not to look too anti-union (remember, actors and screen writers are union...

Don't pass up this movie!
As a newly-retired teacher, I saw this movie in the theaters and found it to be a wonderful story that showed the best and the worst of education. After 38 years of teaching, it amazes me that there are still teachers, schools, districts that are lackadaisical and need a good 'kick-in-th-pants' to provide what the kids need. The actors in this film show the extreme of what can be done, and do such a good job of showing the dedicated and the undedicated in a wonderful profession. My feeling is, teaching is not just a job where you collect a paycheck -- it's a way to affect the future, hopefully in a good way, and although it's a lot of work it is so fulfilling. Thanks to the makers of this film and since it was based on a true story -- congrats to the people who did what needed to be done. Excellent portrayal of an important topic.

Fantastic
Awesome movie for educators and parents. As an educator, this movie was a great motivation and reminded me why I went into this field.

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