Knights Of The South Bronx (Telefilm/DVD-Video)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Telefilm: B-
Though it
has been the subject of many true story tales before, the idea that one teacher
can make a difference and inspire students against a broken educational system
aspire to succeed is irresistible when done well and when done well, sends the
message we need to hear more often. All
is not lost and all it takes is hard work and a chance to do better in life. Allen Hughes of Hughes Brothers fame (From Hell, Menace II Society) has made a solid and surprising good example of
this cycle with Knights Of The South
Bronx (2006) about younger children needing such a chance.
Ted
Danson, in one of the few noteworthy roles he’ll ever have or performances he’ll
ever give, plays teacher Richard Mason, assigned to a tough new school while
waiting to get a higher-paying job. As
he tries to teach his classes, he discovers that the students are in more
trouble in real life and outside of the school than he could have ever
imagined. A fan and avid player of
chess, he eventually gets the idea to try the game out on interested
students. This eventually leads to all
of them becoming interested and progress ensues.
The 90
minutes becomes increasingly compelling, even when it goes into the direction
you expect, yet like Freedom Writers (which I like even more) the tale is made
real by the performances of the child actors and their plight. Hughes does a good job in making this work
and we hope to see him back top feature films ASAP because a talent like his
should never be idle for long, much like the young people of this story.
The 1.33
X 1 image is from a decent print, but has detail issues, though thanks to
Director of Photography Derick Underschultz, will remain one of the last good
looking block style TV movies ever made.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is simple, dialogue-based and fine. The only extra unfortunately arte just
previews for Allumination titles, but this is now one of the bets in their
catalog to date.
- Nicholas Sheffo
