I love movies. Sadly, I have seen nearly 1,000 movies in my lifetime and even have a ranked list of my top 375 movies of all-time! I'm weird, I know. But I'm normal in the way that most people like movies and they enjoy a good movie from time to time. Lost in all the changes in theaters and movies lately (3D, high ticket prices, computer effects, computer animation, etc.) is that documentaries are getting much more entertaining and being watched by more of the public. Good documentaries about public education have been non-existent though until now. Two award-winning (what awards? Mainly the world film festivals so far) are coming out this fall. The one I am most anxious to see is called "Waiting for Superman", but I just learned of another film titled "Race to Nowhere". Both are documentaries about our public education system. Superman takes a look at the failing public education system, who is to blame, and what we can do to make it better. Race takes a look at the pressure we put on our students to get good grades and be successful while forgetting their mental health needs, their need to be a kid, and their learning along the way. I encourage you to view the trailers for these movies by clicking on their title above. But also consider having your child go with you to these films and having a good discussion about its content after the movie is done. I hope to view both when they come out and talk about their content in class as well. So....enjoy the movies this fall!
"Waiting for Superman": Opens this fall in theaters across the nation. When you visit the site, pledge to see the movie and you will be given a code where you can donate $5 to donorschoose, a site that let's you provide for schools in your area.
"Race to Nowhere": Not sure when it will be in local theaters, if at all, but I will keep checking. Might have to wait for video for this one.
Also, a good read from a famous NY Times columnist just last week. The editorial is his idea on why this movie needs to be seen!
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