Review of Freedom Writers (2007) by Theresa S — 27 Aug 2009

Here is another great-teacher-inspires-inner-city-kids film. Many of the cliches are here: kids in gangs, street violence, an idealistic young teacher who is in over her head, the school administration the teacher has to fight to get her way.

But this true-story movie is still a heartfelt trip down a well-worn path. Two-time Oscar-winner Hilary Swank anchors Richard LaGravenese's movie with her plucky, winsome performance. She brings conviction to her speeches about how intolerance can lead to things like the Holocaust and pathos to the teacher's determination to make a difference in these kids' lives.

It's her first post-Oscar performance to capitalize on her award-winning credentials. Patrick Dempsey provides sturdy support as her husband (who knew he could be good?). Imelda Staunton ably plays the cynical school official.

But Pat Carroll, in a cameo portraying someone who played a crucial role in the most popular Holocaust tale, gets the film's most beautifully written scene, telling the students how anyone can "turn on a small light in a dark room.

" Which is what their teacher was trying to do, to bring a little hope to kids who never had any before. It's over-familiar in the extreme, but it's always a pleasant surprise when something as predictable as this can still move and inspire its audience.