How many lame "teachers helping troubled youth" movies do we currently have on the market as of this writing? More importantly, how many of these tacky films handle this very sensitive issue in an honest, realistic fashion? Sadly, most seem more than willing to throw in various gimmicks and techniques to overcome the habitual stupidity of the students found languishing in these melodramatic motion pictures. From dancing to singing to watching Hilary Swank posture for yet another Oscar nomination, this strange little genre has employed a number of wonky plot devices to help drive their universal point into the skulls of the morons who watch this sort of wishy-washy drivel on a regular basis.
Films such as Freedom Writers, Dangerous Minds, and Take the Lead never really address their oh-so serious issues in an appropriately serious manner; they're content to toss an endless stream of half-assed cliches, hot hip-hop hits and stale stereotypes at you for roughly 90 minutes or so, giving their respective storytellers the proper forum for a pretty little happy ending where everyone ends up becoming what they aspire to be. But what about the kids who fall through the cracks, or the ones who have already found themselves knee-deep in a cold world constructed of cement, steel and barbed wire?
Director Charles Winkler and stand-up comedian D.L. Hughley attempt to address this issue with their highly-underrated, tightly-woven prison drama Shackles. Outside of Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me, this criminally unseen motion picture is quite possibly the best of its kind, delivering an incredible dramatic narrative without sacrificing the integrity of its characters or its message. No one here is perfect, flawless, or free of the scars life has the tendency to leave behind as it mindlessly barrels across you. In fact, I dare you to find a like-minded film comparable to the honesty portrayed in this truly riveting direct-to-video gem.
.jpg?t=20120527181101)
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
great job as always. Luckily for all, I'm still at a place where I respect it rather than lash out bitterly in fits of jealously.