Review of One Eight Seven (1997) by Don S — 20 Jul 2011

Samuel L. Jackson played his character well. Why someone who survived what happened to him would return to teaching is beyond me. The "love of teaching" answer just doesn't cut it. As you watch the movie, you become aware of just how this effected him and why he is still doing it. Chilling. That being said, this movie is similar to many others on the same topic. Vigilante justice by teachers fed up with the crap they have to put up with to reach the few students who want to learn... nothing new here. You don't sympathize with the characters, even the ones you are "supposed" to in the story because the movie doesn't give you enough to make you care. It is padded with scenes to show you the plight of the violent students and what makes them that way. Again, this is supposed to invoke sympathy for their situation. I didn't feel it. Violence is a choice someone makes, not a means to right the wrongs of society. Average movie with some good performances (Jackson and Arroyove - the young lady who plays Rita - come immediately to mind).

You wrote this on 5/28/09.