Here we have an inspiring movie for teachers and parents and their students too. Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Nona Alberts (Viola Davis) are the dynamic duo of parent and teacher who want a better school system at Adams Elementary where Jamie’s daughter Malia attends and Nona teaches. Jamie wants Malia in Nona’s class but can’t get anyone to listen to her or help. Nona wants to do more good for her students but is restricted time and time again. When the two women join forces they shake things up in their quest to make Adams Elementary the school they want it to be.

This is a terrific story of perseverance, and the last line of the movie says it all, “hope”. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola David turn in terrific performances and help drive the movie and they give it a heartbeat. Maggie is in danger of losing her job as a receptionist at a car dealership and Nona deals with a son who is teased and called “slow”. The audience feels and shares their pain. We are pleased to award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this movie for ages twelve plus. This movie is well worth seeing, so see it soon!