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No consensus yet.
All Critics (15) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (4) | DVD (1)
As the tough math teacher, Olmos delivers a strong, Oscar-nominated performance in this rather simple but uplifting melodrama. Apr 27, 2011 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…
As the tough math teacher, Olmos delivers a strong, Oscar-nominated performance in this rather simple but uplifting melodrama.
Emanuel Levy
Intensely watchable movie based on a true story. Jan 1, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Intensely watchable movie based on a true story.
Ellen MacKay
"The greatest John G. Avildsen movie John G. Avidlsen never made. Olmos is far more understated than the average tough-teacher is in this kind of film." Sep 27, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
"The greatest John G. Avildsen movie John G. Avidlsen never made. Olmos is far more understated than the average tough-teacher is in this kind of film."
Richard von Busack
Powerfully inspirational, laden with tough love, and on occasion a tad hokey. It's the "Coach Carter" of H.S. Math class. Jan 26, 2005 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Powerfully inspirational, laden with tough love, and on occasion a tad hokey. It's the "Coach Carter" of H.S. Math class.
Ross Anthony
Obvious, but very moving. Jan 17, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
Obvious, but very moving.
Jeffrey M. Anderson
The rare "based on" movie that does justice to its source. Dec 30, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
The rare "based on" movie that does justice to its source.
Rob Vaux
A well-done if very melodramatic film concerning a passionate math teacher (Edward James Olmos) who somehow succeeds in inspiring his students to learn calculus. The films feels very familiar and predictable, but it is still crowd-pleasing at its conclusion. Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Andy Garcia are all exceptional, which gives the film the additional energy it needs to hold our attention. Not especially memorable over the years (it has been a while since I have seen it), but still an admirable movie that is certainly believable.
Super Reviewer
This isn't just another teacher movie like Blackboard Jungle or Class of 1984, the story of this film is true, and very empowering to teachers and students everywhere. This is one of the best real school dramas of the decade, so I highly recommend it.
In 1982, a new troublemaker hit Garfield High. He was tough. He was wild. He was willing to fight. He was the new math teacher. He reminded me of my Math Teather. lol
Inspirational true story about Mr. Escalante, a Los Angeles high school math teacher whose Hispanic barrio students achieved high scores on California's advance placement calculus tests. A terrific story for two reasons, first because it's true and second because Edward James Olmos turns in the performance of his life. I enjoy this film but watching it brings back unpleasant memories of study, homework and test anxiety. (yikes!)
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