Weequahic High School, Newark, New Jersey. It was built in the 1930s, and until the 1960s it was one of the best schools in America, producing more PhD graduates than anywhere in the United States (students like Pulitzer Prize winning author Phillip Roth). But by the time the new millennium rolled around, that same high school was one of the most dangerous in the country. This film tells the story of the school, and the Principal at the heart of it: Ronald Stone.

Weequahic’s auspicious beginning was in a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood of Newark. But after the Civil Rights riots in 1967, many of the residents and shopkeepers moved out of the area. As more stable elements left, less stable ones moved in. By the time Ronald Stone is Principal, the school has 72 security cameras, metal detectors at the door, and rival gang members roaming the hallways.

Heart of Stone gives us a hard, unflinching look at an educational institution in crisis, and a Principal who has to wear a bullet-proof vest when he’s walking the halls. But there are signs of hope everywhere in 2007, and director Beth Toni Kruvant shines a light on not just the kids, but also the community members coming together to help. The football team is actually winning some games; there have been sponsored trips to the ski fields and another to France; and the Alumni Association has raised enough money to give out numerous scholarships to help students continue their education.

Kruvant also shows us the students’ perspectives as well. They talk about their lives at home, their gang affiliations, their fears, and the friends they’ve lost to violence. It must be incredibly difficult to concentrate on or even care about the next math test when you’re afraid of getting shot on your way home from school. Stone, however, seems to understand where the kids are coming from, and spends time listening to them, and encouraging them to finish high school. By spending that time, taking risks, and teaching them about conflict resolution, he’s more than earned their respect.

The film is honest and, in moments, bleak – but it is an overwhelmingly hopeful depiction of a school and its leader. Despite many trips down memory lane (with the interesting history of the community and stories told by Alumni), the film steers completely clear of any sentimental or nostalgic desire for the past and honestly portrays the community and its issues. It’s a well put together film, and you’ll walk away with an admiration for both the students and their Principal.

Clash of the Titans

We’ve now entered the realm of studios picking up properties that in no way deserve a remake. Especially Ray Harryhausen productions which, even if you argue their aesthetic quality, had a charm and brought a sense of whimsy to film making. But, here we are in 2010 with a remake of the tale of Perseus, which will be completely ignored as this is geared for the 300 set. Starring the  Avatar guy (No Sam, we will not remember your name), Liam Neeson, and Ralph Finnes, Clash was shot in 2D but has been upgraded with the recent 3D trend, which is a sign of quality.

Rated: 14A

Why Did I Get Married Too?

The Tyler Perry machine tackles one of life’s important questions, Why Did I Get Married Too? the only way Tyler Perry can, with a comedy! Four couples take a vacation to the Bahamas together only to be disrupted when an ex-husband comes wanting his wife back. Stars Janet Jackson (In a nipple-less role), Tasha Smith, and Tyler Perry.

Rated: PG

Women Without Men

Iranian film that tells the tale of the 1953 CIA-back coup d’ete in which four women come together in a garden. There the four connect amidst the struggle and find independence and peace. Stars Bijan Daneshmand, Navid Akhavan, and Salma Daneshmand.

Rated: 14A

Location: 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON

Phone Number: (416) 429-4100

Movies and Showtimes This Week  

Sunday:
Grand Canyon Adventure
12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM

Journey to Mecca
3 PM

Under the Sea
11 AM, 1 PM

Monday:
Grand Canyon Adventure
11 AM, 2 PM

The Human Body
12 PM, 1 PM

Under the Sea
3 PM

Tuesday:
Grand Canyon Adventure
2 PM

The Human Body
12 PM, 1 PM

Under the Sea
11 AM, 3 PM

Wednesday:
Grand Canyon Adventure
11 AM, 2 PM

The Human Body
12 PM, 1 PM

Under the Sea
3 PM

Thursday:
Grand Canyon Adventure
2 PM

The Human Body
12 PM, 1 PM

Under the Sea
11 AM, 3 PM