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And it's the children who suffer in "Won't Back Down." Other than some token scenes involving Jamie and Nona's kids, the students are mere extras in a drama that spends most of its time prattling on about how the children are what matter most. Jamie and Nona face predictable hurdles as virtually everyone schemes to dash their plans. The supporting cast is wasted in shallow roles, among them Rosie Perez and Oscar Isaac as fellow teachers, Ving Rhames as a charter-school principal and Holly Hunter as a conflicted union official. It's inspiring to hear about parents going all-out to secure a better education for their kids. It's dreary watching them jump through the hoops they face in "Won't Back Down," though. You end up longing for a dose of classroom fireworks
-- a taste of Sidney Poitier in "To Sir, with Love" or Edward James Olmos in "Stand and Deliver." "Won't Back Down" is an emotional drop-out by comparison. "Won't Back Down," a 20th Century Fox release, is rated PG for thematic elements and language. Running time: 121 minutes. Two stars out of four. ___ Motion Picture Association of America rating definition for PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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