Won't Back Down - C

Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal

Rated PG, 121 minutes

Predictable “Won’t Back Down” receives a passing grade, but only due to Davis

"Won’t Back Down” has an inspiring premise and a talented cast yet barely makes the grade due to its unfocused script and flat direction as well as a slow, rambling start. It picks up in the final act and is saved by another strong performance from Oscar-nominee Viola Davis (“The Help”).  The movie tells the story of two determined Pittsburgh mothers, a bartender (Gyllenhaal) and a teacher (Davis), look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy and corruption from the teacher's union president (Hunter) along with others in the district, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children. “Won’t Back Down” is a predictable, by the numbers drama peppered with a few compelling moments and the dynamic Davis, who keeps the film together. The film, based on actual events and a parent trigger law in some states that allow parents to essentially take over failing schools,  has a relevant story but is in need of tighter direction and a leaner script by Daniel Barnz (“Beastly”), not to mention that the lovely Gyllenhaal is miscast in one of the central roles. She’s also no match for the towering presence of Davis, who at this point could read the phone book and make it watchable. Her poignant performance (particularly down the final stretch) is the chief reason to see “Won’t Back Down,” though I wish she had more scenes with Holly Hunter, playing a union rep caught in the middle of a fight. Hunter, like Davis, is a commanding presence in a film that lacks focus and heft. For a much more fascinating look at this subject, check out the 2010 documentary “Waiting for Superman.”

Wes's Grade: C