Waiting for Superman MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +3

Documentary. Directed by Davis Guggenheim.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Despite increased spending and politicians' promises, our buckling public education system, once the best in the world, routinely forsakes the education of millions of children. Reminding us that education "statistics" have names (Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily), this insightful documentary follows a handful of promising kids through a system that inhibits rather than encourages academic growth. The film undertakes an exhaustive review of public education, surveying "drop-out factories" and "academic sinkholes," methodically dissecting the system and its seemingly intractable problems.

PREVIEW REVIEW: While this may not be a film for relieving stress after a hard week, occasionally a movie comes along that clearly defines a threat to our culture – this is one. Waiting for Superman should be seen by all, for this well-produced documentary is the most important film of the year.

I am aware that the makers of Waiting For Superman have an agenda, their message being a bit biased.  Though there’s plenty of blame to go around, the documentary stresses that the School Teachers’ Union is a major culprit.  But while the union has aided its deserving membership, its protective measures have also abetted its incompetent members.  With the facts presented in this film, it’s difficult for that union to defend itself satisfactorily.

Though it is filled with facts and contains its share of wow-is me tone, what excited this reviewer was the film’s hopeful conclusion. Viewing it, one comes to the conclusion that America can defeat this enemy within. And here’s why even those who don’t have children should view this film: America was once the leader in education; now we are somewhere around 24th in the world’s standing. If we can band together on this issue and turn this trend, then it will be easier to unite against members of both major political parties, those guys who claim they feel our pain. If we rebuild America’s education system, politicians will realize that we are no longer complacent with mediocrity and that we will no longer tolerate mediocrity from our leaders. It could warn them that they work for us – and they better get started.

I keep thinking of all the people who gave their lives in order that America could be a beacon of justice and hope to the world. Along with reverence for God, education will aid in bringing us back to that position. But we have no time to lose. This film could galvanize our citizenry.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Paramount Vantage