Dangerous Minds provides new life to same old story

In today's age of film, it is in fact quite a rarity to come upon a novel-to-screen adaptation that is not only done tastefully, but sticks to the pages without drastic changes. With such films as The Firm, Lord of the Flies, and this year's Congo as shining examples, Hollywood has continued to prove itself most incapable of taking good material and making an equally good movie. However, Canadian director John N. Smith's Dangerous Minds, adapted from the 1992 LouAnne Johnson memoir, My Posse Don't Do Homework, proves to be a delightful exception.

Shot documentary style, Dangerous Minds is the true tale of LouAnne Johnson, a nine-year career Marine who left the military to teach English at an inner-city California high school populated by what Johnson refers to as "rejects from hell." The young, and for the most part unknown, cast gives outstanding performances as the hostile-but-compassionate youth who inhabit the streets. While captivating audiences with its heroic story, Dangerous Minds also manages to provide leading lady Michelle Pfeiffer with one of the strongest women's roles yet this year. Pfeiffer delivers an unbelievably convincing performance as the fiery, funny teacher dedicated to making a difference.

Although Dangerous Minds is dealt with in the same fashion as movies before it dealing with the same issue (Lean On Me, Stand and Deliver, and Up the Down Staircase), good writing and fresh faces breathe new life into the old story. Aside from a lousy title and Pfeiffer's Southern twang, I consider the film one of the best I've viewed in a while. Note to the tender-hearted: bring a box of tissues and don't let go; Dangerous Minds is a riveting film that will grasp at your heart and make you think twice about individuals like Johnson -- people who are dedicated to causing a change.