Review of Lean On Me (1989) by Mike S — 07 Dec 2009
I have to say that I was disappointed. It had so much potential . . . Morgan Freedman . . . made in the 80s . . . about a tough school where the teacher tries to make a difference.
Sadly, and surprisingly, the main reason that the movie didn't work was Freedman's performance in the lead role. He began well and when he first took over the role of principal his hard line approach was needed - and kind of cool. The problem was then he just continued to needless shout at people for the majority of the film - sacking people who seemed to be good teachers and then shouting some more.
He also managed to double the number of exam results through a mixture of shouting and getting the kids to sing.
It is apparently loosely based on a true story but too few of the performances were unconvincing and the pupils lacked the vulnerability and likeability to actually make the viewer care if they managed to turn their life around or not.
Disappointing at best.
This review of Lean On Me (1989) was written by Mike S on 07 Dec 2009.
Lean On Me has generally received positive reviews.
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