Every kid struggles in school. But a kid can achieve if she or he does what they have to do. But that kid can never achieve or reach his or her dreams if they’re not given the necessary materials they need. Someone or anyone needs to make a stand for a better education for our children and their child’s school. And those two "someones" are two mothers who fight for a change in their child’s school. Won’t Back Down results in a dramatic, heart-warming, yet thrill in a kind of way and will make you feel the struggles just as they did.

This movie is about two mothers Viola Davis (Nora Alberts) who is a teacher, and Jamie Fitzpatrick (Maggie Gyllen Haal), who is a bartender, watch as their child faces struggles in learning along with their failing school. Jamie Fitzpatrick does anything out of her way for her daughter Malia Fitzpatrick (Emily Alyn Lind) to get her in a better school, but luck was not on their side. A miraculous plan that grew to make a difference in their child’s education and future where they risked everything to get the school back on track. They encounter problems and public judgement from people such as Holly Hunter (Evelyn Riske) but love and support from those who cared, such as Michael Perry (Oscar Isaac).

The young bartender Jamie Fitzpatrick played by Maggie Gyllen Haal made her debut in her father’s Stephen Gyllen Haal film “Waterland” and emerged as a full blown star in “Secretary.” Her appearance is sweet and conduct which results in a subtle on-screen style that emerges from the character she plays. The teacher Viola Davis played by Nora Alberts who is an outstanding actress most especially in drama, winning her a Tony Award for Best Performance and Drama Desk Award. Music teacher Michael Perry played by Oscar Isaac, graduated from Julliard and played in a band called “The Blinking Underdogs,” which explains his music creativity in the film. Evelyn Riske played by Holly Hunter, made a change in her rights to help Jamie and Viola. And last but not least, Malia played by the charming Emily Alyn Lind was the sweet daughter who struggled with careless teachers and bullies.

Maggie Gyllen Haal and Viola Davis’ characters were strong. They showed the true struggles of a mom with a struggling child and to better their education and school where they will make you feel and realize what they’re going through. They will make you realize that anything will make a difference or impact, even the littlest of things. Their action, character, and their pride in what their goal is and what they believe in are strong. All the debating and protest made me feel like I was part of it, I wanted to be a part of it. They convinced me and will convince you to make a change or stand up for anything. They encountered many struggles but not one brought them down.

The message of this film would mainly show standing up for a change. For what you believe in and what you want. In every road there is a struggle. Struggles build character and with every hard work, sweat, sacrifices, basically everything put in, there is always a good outcome. No matter what happens, as long as you have your eyes, mind, and heart set on your goal, you will get there. And I believe that this film shows all of that.

This movie is rated PG which may entertain more of the older group such as highschoolers and adults or any community stake holders. But it is a great movie for just about anyone of all ages. If you’re in for a heart-warming yet thrilling film then this show will get you on the edge of your chairs. Watch Won’t Back Down and you guarantee you won’t back down from all things.

Scale of 1-5
4 ½