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Stand and Deliver

Starring: Edward James Olmos
Director: Ramon Menendez
Genre: Drama
Year: 1987
Rating: 3 / 5

Some people say that Edward James Olmos is best known for his role in the hit television series Miami Vice. While no one is doubting the mass appeal of that program, the role with which I will always associate Olmos is that of Jaime A. Escalante, the inspiring teacher from Stand and Deliver. Olmos powers the film through will alone, guiding a group of unappreciated, undervalued students to unparalleled levels of success. Escalante's journey, based on a true story, is motivational and gritty, telling of one man's belief in the power of positive thinking. He believed in his students, and they, in turn, learned to soar.

In a poor section of Los Angeles, at run-down Garfield High, the school board is worried about losing its accreditation. Scores are down, violence is up, and, if the situation does not change immediately, the school might not be around next year. Enter Jaime Escalante, a man who has given up a successful career to teach computers at Garfield. Alas, computers are not in the budget this year, meaning that Escalante is routed into the math department. Handed a bunch of students who view school as a very low priority, Escalante is determined to turn things around. Rather than focus on the past records of these students, the bold teacher sets out to establish new standards and bring his message to the class in innovative new ways.

Criticized by members of his own faculty for his unorthodox approach, Jaime Escalante is undeterred. Rather than focus on his student's limitations, he chooses to focus on their potential. He brazenly declares that he will prepare his students to pass the AP Calculus exam, something unheard of at the school. Working over weekends, summers, and vacations, Escalante drives the kids to places of which they dared not dream. As the date of the exam approaches, several students and Escalante himself encounter some tough obstacles. Will the class be able to overcome these and pull together in time to pass the exam?

Director Ramon Menendez wisely allows Edward James Olmos room to operate, as the star commands the room during each of his scenes. Olmos gives an impassioned performance, reinforcing in the minds of viewers the impact a teacher can have on a young person's life. While the film does remind us of the grim challenges some kids face, it also shows us that, through confidence and determination, nothing is too daunting. Special note must also be made of the admirable performance by Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba), who was just getting started in his movie career. Edward James Olmos is the star of Stand and Deliver, though, and he makes sure to teach all of us a thing or two.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG.
Running Time: 102 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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