Movie Review - Teachers Edition

In this time of teachers strikes and union wars two movies come out that teach us what is really important, the children. The first, Won't Back Down, shows us how parents and teachers can fight back against failing schools and injustices in the union. The second, Here Comes the Boom, teaches us one teacher can make a difference by becoming a mix martial arts fighter to save the school's music program. Both very realistic possibilities.

Won't back down does bring up real problems that the school systems are facing. What do you do if your child is in a failing school? Why are teachers protected by the union if they are not doing their jobs? I'm not anti union at all, I believe that good, hard working individuals should be protected. What I don't agree with are unions protecting those that don't deserve it. My favorite line in the movie is when the teachers are arguing about compensation. Viola's character stands up and proclaims ironically about the disagreement, "because we all went into teaching for the money!" which is met by endorsing silence.

Here Comes the Boom is about a 2002 teacher of the year who 10 yrs later has lost his drive and love for teaching. When he speaks out about the school cutting the music program for budget reasons and a teacher's job he ends up volunteering to raise the 48k and getting in over his head. I was impressed by the UFC's presence in this movie (and excited that Herb Dean was in the movie-my favorite ref). TJ says that Kevin James is a huge UFC fan, so I'm sure he loved every minute of filming this. Plus he got in really good shape for the role (looking good Kevin). This movie had me laughing out loud and I do love MMA.

Both movies prove the point that teachers can and should make a difference in children's lives. So whether you are up for a good cry or laugh and want to be cheering and inspired at the end, both are good picks.