By The public school system in the United States undoubtedly has problems. What was once one of the most prominent examples of education in the world has now become the ugly stepchild of developed nations.Waiting for ’Superman’ takes this subject matter and attempts to unpack it in such a way as to inspire change and educate the public. But is the film moving enough to make audiences think of education as priority number one?
The public school system in the United States undoubtedly has problems. What was once one of the most prominent examples of education in the world has now become the ugly stepchild of developed nations.Waiting for ’Superman’ takes this subject matter and attempts to unpack it in such a way as to inspire change and educate the public. But is the film moving enough to make audiences think of education as priority number one?{{page_break}}
Waiting for ‘Superman’ is a hybrid documentary that’s split almost evenly between a human-interest story and fact-finding exposé. The film follows a handful of families as they attempt to get their children into highly-performing charter schools. These schools, unfortunately, are also extremely hard to get into, since many parents see it as the only way for their children to escape the cycle of poverty. When hundreds of kids apply for dozens of spots, only to be selected by a random lottery, the results will always be heartbreaking.
At the same time, the film also concentrates on giving viewers the entire picture of our education system. By explaining the pitfalls and inherent conflicts built into our current system, while also outlining how far we have fallen behind the rest of the world, the film certainly spurs you into action. Not to mention how stirring the feelings of shock are at seeing the stark difference between the results of good and bad teachers. While the film may initially seem to beat you over the head with negativity, it quite often qualifies this with just enough inspiration to keep you engaged in the story.
‘Superman’ works best when it has big personalities on camera. Instead of going for an expert-heavy interview style, filled with dozens of talking heads, the film tries to strike a balance between the objective and the personal. While there are a few notable interviews, Bill Gates for one, the narrator/director himself, Davis Guggenheim, handles most of the explanation.
The facts and figures provided by the film are quite sobering indeed. In fact, you’ll find it hard to watch the film and not get an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness for our future as a country. Not to mention the feeling that public school is nothing more than a day-care for most students in the country. These oppressive facts are depressing and painful, but not entirely hopeless. ‘Superman’ very consciously works to keep hope alive for our massive and complex system of schools. No, there is no magic bullet to fix what half a century of neglect has caused, but that isn’t to say that we can’t make progress.
Even though the film often tries to stay non-partisan, often skewering politicians from both sides of the aisle, it definitely takes a stance against teachers unions. The movie does little to hide the fact that it sees the unions as a complete obstruction to any kind of progress. In fact, the film goes so far as to say that teachers unions simply don’t care about children. And, don’t worry, by the end of the film, you’ll virtually have to agree with them. ‘Superman’s ability to subtly vilify is quite powerful and very hard to resist.
But as a documentary about the trials and tribulations of a small group of elementary school children, ‘Superman’ performs its heart out. Each child chosen for the film is incredibly expressive and serves as a constant reminder of what exactly is at stake. They all have a powerful sense of promise, which the film is very conscious to enhance. By navigating audiences between indignant outrage at horrifying data and genuine compassion for disadvantaged kids, the film masterfully tugs at our emotions.
As a whole, the film definitely works to inspire. It’s tight, engaging, and interesting. Although the movie might not offer any easy solutions, or really any solutions that average audiences could do anything to accomplish, it does give you a feeling that something must be done. And in a documentary, how much more could you ask for?
Overall Score: 7.50 (7s are good, but not great. These films often have a stereotypical plot or are great movies that have a few minor flaws. Fans of this movie’s genre might love it, but others will still enjoy seeing it in theaters.)
Siobhan Watters
6.95 – See this movie, but weigh Guggenheim's messages carefully. While it raises an important issue, Waiting for 'Superman' leaves you with unsatisfactory answers to big questions. Read her review here.