Won't Back Down

As a single mom whose child attends Adams Elementary in the poverty-stricken, downtown Hill district in Pittsburgh, PA, Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllenhaal) runs into a wall after she realizes that her daughter, Malia (Emily Alyn Lind), is dyslexic. Although Jamie asks for help, Malia's teacher (Nancy Bach) ignores her pleas, as does the smarmy principal (Bill Nunn). Jamie's frustration leads her to befriend Nona Alberts (Viola Davis), a conscientious teacher whose son (Dante Brown) has math problems. Together, they discover a “parent-trigger law” allowing concerned parents who wish to rescue a failing school to take control and re-design it to foster effective learning. Obviously, their educational reform campaign is opposed not only by the stubbornly entrenched administration but also by a representative (Holly Hunter) of the powerful teacher's union. Based on a 2010 incident that occurred in Los Angeles, Won't Back Down is unfortunately burdened with a contrived, exposition-heavy script and heavy-handed direction by Daniel Barnz. Distorting or simplifying complex issues into banal generalities, this is a preachy film that clearly tries to appeal to desperate and often rightfully outraged parents who are deeply concerned about some obvious failures in the American public school system. A disappointing misfire, this is an optional purchase, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Daniel Barnz, deleted scenes (9 min.), the behind-the-scenes featurettes “The Importance of Education” (5 min.) and “A Tribute to Teachers” (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a too-simplistic film.] (S. Granger)