Viola's snot says,
"Unions!
Booga booga!!!"

Punishment film for losing the die-roll on SYNW Podcast. Two solid leads and decent performances can't save Won't Back Down from being a by-the-numbers snooze-fest. I'm sure the true-life story is very inspiring and uplifting, but as it exists on film, it's all "been there, done that" territory.

I don't think I ever haven't liked Maggie Gyllenhaal in a performance but man did I detest her and the way she played this squeaky, annoying character in this schlocky after school special that's made completely redundant by Waiting for Superman which raised these questions with actual depth.

The film is definitely something that's been done before. But Won't Bck Down approaches the subject with a simplicity that makes it sweet and powerful at the same time. Davis and Gyllenhaal work great together and the film is one of the most under-appreciated of 2012.

Excelente película de una lucha que se repite en todo lugar, la educación y sus problemas...

This film seemed unfairly maligned when it came out. It seems that if a film is honest and straightforward these days, it automatically gets the shaft just because of the cynical age we live in. I'm in no way saying this is a masterpiece, but you can tell that the people involved here care, and care about the school and education in our country. That said, the pacing is off here - it it feels way too long - and Gyllenhaal is quite annoying at times, forcing it most of the time, though she does have some very good moments... Once again, Viola Davis proves that she's better than the project she's in.

Far better than I was expecting. A decently inspiring call-to-arms that takes unflinching aim at the culture of apathy in failing public schools. Make no mistake however, Viola Davis is the reason this movie works. Her heart-wrenching performance elevates what could have been a run-of-the-mill TV movie.

Can you please just not leave so many empty hangers?

Surprisingly not at all cheesy, just a very straightforward, solidly acted drama. The script still has trouble though. The narrative could have been much more tightly wound together. Unnecessary subplots get in the way of a leading narrative that was working fine. Ultimately if the right story had been told all the way through, it would have been a much more satisfying film. Still, Davis and Gyllenhaal are both great, and the movie for the most part works.

Earnest but sloppily directed drama about a crusading parent of a dyslexic child and a hard working teacher who decide to take back their failing school, despite opposition from the school board and teachers unions. Has a few moments of power (the opening and closing scenes strike an emotional chord) but the script reads like a heavy handed letter to the editor from an irate parent.