The Great Debaters
Inspired by a true story, this film chronicles the journey of Professor Melvin Tolson, a brilliant but volatile debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college in the deep south into a historically elite debate team. A controversial figure, Professor Tolson challenged the social mores of the time and was under constant fire for his unconventional and ferocious teaching methods as well as his radical political views. In their pursuit for excellence, Tolson's debate team receives a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard University's championship team. Directed by Denzel Washington; starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker and Kimberly Elise. Written by Robert Eisele and Tom Epperson; Produced by Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth. Adult Juror Comments: This inspiring film captures a time in history that is difficult to remember where racism was rampant in our country. Denzel proficiently tackles the story in a compelling fashion with high drama that at times makes you cringe, yet brings a smile to your face at the end. There are some graphic depictions of violence but they are paramount to telling the story and historically accurate. Kid Juror Comments:
Age: 12-18
DVD; 123 min.
Feature film from GENIUS PRODUCTS.
Knights of the South Bronx
Middle-aged and recently unemployed, Richard Mason (Ted Danson) decides to return to his first love: teaching. He finds a job as an inner-city schoolteacher teaching fourth grade. Richard discovers a way to reach out to his skeptical students through the game of chess. Against all odds, he inspires his students to become champions, not only at chess, but in life! Ted Danson gives a compelling performance in this heroic, heartwarming story based on true events co-starring Keke Palmer and Malcolm David Kelley. Knights of the South Bronx proves that no matter who you are or where you come from, if you play like a winner, you can be a king! Adult Juror Comments: Wonderful film. Well paced. Follows a predictable storyline, not dissimilar to sports genre films - but the chess playing Ted Danson character is charismatic and charming. Based on a true story, the kids' dilemmas of how to succeed under the most difficult circumstances bring reality right into your living room. It's a feel-good kind of movie that you can enjoy sharing with the children in your life. Kid Juror Comments: Loved it. They weren't too sure at the out start and had to be coached into watching, but once it got started, they were glued to the screen. Definitely worth repeat viewing and telling others about.
Age: 10-18
DVD. 90 min.; $14.98
Independent feature from ALLUMINATION FILM WORKS. When I Find the Ocean
A little girl leaves home with her pet dog and rabbit to escape abuse. She sets out to find the ocean in the hopes of feeling closer to her father who lost his life at sea. Adult Juror Comments: This film touches on many issues that kids experience, either personally or through their peers. It addresses racism from the 60s, friendship, parental abuse and learning how to overcome obstacles. This first time filmmaker, from Alabama, has done justice to her home state by including some beautiful footage.
Age: 13-18
DVD; 104 min.
Independent feature from MONTEREY MEDIA. |
