Over the past few days, I have seen multiple films on streaming services. Instead of a lengthy review that deeply explores each film, I instead decided on quick reviews for each films that get straight to the point.
Stand and Deliver
Stand and Deliver is the true story of a math teacher who teaches at a school that is ran by gangs and receives little government funding. Jamie Escalante (played by Edward James Olmos) is new to James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. The students at the school are barely taught and as a result receive poor grades. But Mr. Escalante knows the students can be taught and decide to teache the kids calculus. But after taking an rigorous AP calculus exam, the students are accused of cheating. But they soon are out to prove that they are not cheaters and are capable of passing an AP calculus exam.
Stand and Deliver can be best described as a feel good, inspirational film. The lessons taught in this film can be applied in everyday life. At the start of the film, no one believes in these kids except Mr. Escalante. He proves that with determination and patience, anyone can achieve anything. Edward James Olmos is the main star of the film and certainly delivers as the role of the energetic math teacher. Not only is he smart, but also is witty and knows how to engage the students and the audience as well. Stand and Deliver could have been another by the books film. Instead its an uplifting film that everyone can relate to.
3/4
Stand and Deliver is now on Netflix.
The George McKenna Story (Hard Lessons)
The next film is The George McKenna Story, later re-titled Hard Lessons. Similar to Stand Deliver, this made for TV film tells the story of a troubled school struggling to change its image. But instead of focusing on a teacher, we focus on a principal. George McKenna (played by Denzel Washington) is new to George Washington High School and has the daunting task of changing the environment at the school. He soon finds out this task is more difficult than expected. But with perseverance, he is able to change the school.
This film is also an inspirational piece, but unlike Stand and Deliver, Hard Lessons is, unfortunately, not as enjoyable. In fact, this film is a cheesy film that plays out exactly how an 80’s TV movie would. While film making techniques such as playing sappy music over a montage would have worked in the 80’s, it has aged terribly 34 years later. The film also quickly glances over some important issues such as McKenna’s marriage not working out. We see McKenna and his wife growing apart due to work. They are soon separated, but the film never mentions this again. The film gives more time to an English teacher’s love for Shakespeare, rather than the subject of McKenna’s personal life.
The film would have worked well if it were an actual film, whether it was direct to DVD/VHS or a theatrical release. With the restraints of being a TV film and having to be under two hours long, with commercials included, the film is unable dive deep in major plot points. The film’s main draw is its star Denzel Washington, who was early in his acting career. Without Washington at its helm, the film would have been largely forgotten.
2/4
Hard Lessons is now on Netflix.
The Good Liar
The Good Liar is a thriller staring Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen. Roy (played by Ian McKellen) is a con artist who soon starts dating Betty (played by Helen Mirren). Roy is trying to swindle Betty out of her money by having her transfer her money into a joint bank account. But Roy soon realizes that this is not as easy as it looks and is soon tricked himself.
The Good Liar is a film that is filled with multiple twists and turns. The audience expects the film to go one route, but ends up going down another route. The surprises are sort of expected by the way some of these characters behave, but genuinely come out nowhere. These surprises are sold well by its star Mirren and McKellen, who are in top peak who are believable as an older couple. These two show that despite their older age, they can still handle their own in a thriller. This is an intriguing film that is worth a watch. It’s pleasantly enjoyable film with two great actors.
3/4
The Good Liar is now on HBO.
Edward's Film Reviews 