The first trailer for the upcoming MTV-Paramount collaboration, Freedom Writers, has just hit the net and the final product looks so cliché that it hurts.
Freedom Writers Trailer
Freedom Writers is inspired by a true story and the diaries of real Long Beach teenagers after the LA riots, during the worst outbreak of interracial gang warfare. Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank stars as Erin Gruwell, whose passion to become a teacher is soon challenged by a group of Black, Latino, and Asian gangbangers who hate her even more than each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no adult has ever done, she begins to understand that for these kids, getting through the day alive is enough -- they are not delinquents but teenagers fighting "a war of the streets" that began long before they were born. Erin gives them something they never had from a teacher before -- respect. For the first time, these teens experience a hope that maybe, they might show the world that their lives matter and they have something to say.
The only thing this film has going for it is Hilary Swank and the 'true story' aspect. Sure, Freedom might attract some young moviegoers from areas like Anaheim who think they grew up rough, but the story is so already-done.
Another film like this and we might as well create the genre, "Teacher Helps Save Students By Giving Them a Hobby." We may have to shorten it down to THSSGH, but you'd know what's coming.
Check out the first trailer for Freedom Writers in the following formats:
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