The studio that released two of my favorite documentaries, An Inconvenient Truth, and Food, Inc. now take a close look at the American public education system in Waiting for 'Superman'. The title refers to waiting for some fantastic solution to a problem that needs more than just one savior. I am not a teacher, but as a library employee, I thought I knew a little bit more than the average person about the public school system, having to deal with the local establishments every now and then. The teachers I know are hardworking, dedicated professionals. I was never ignorant enough to think all teachers were excellent, but bad teachers couldn't be that big of a problem right? Wrong.
'Superman' is a fascinating movie that does an exceptional job of showing viewers how much red tape is involved any time someone tries to fight the corruption that is currently crippling our public schools. We meet a variety of nice students and their families who long for a better education. The climax of the film takes us to many different charter schools as these students await their respective lotteries for spaces into higher quality programs of education. The devastation in the eyes of both the parents and the children when their number doesn't come up is truly heartbreaking.
The documentary provides viewers fact after fact after fact of studies that show how faulty and corrupt the current state of education in America is. The results and conclusions are devastating. Some points take a little too long to make, and midway through the film drags a bit, but overall this is an exceptionally well made film. More importantly, it's a film that tries to make an impact, and if enough people watched it, I think a positive change would be inevitable. I would give Waiting For 'Superman' a 7.5 out of 10.
Family Take: There is nothing particularly offensive in this movie, but children most likely wouldn't be as interested in the subject matter. Their parents, however, should be.
If you like Waiting for 'Superman' try: Food, Inc. It's exceptional. And possibly even more important.
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