Notes on a Scandal/Freedom Writers: B-

Both released on DVD this month.

In the interest of the teacher-based films, here's a pop quiz:

Notes on a Scandal is:

A. An extremely well-written, well-acted film.

B. The female version of Chuck and Buck.

C. Mary Kay Letourneau's favorite movie.

D. Proof that England is too small for Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.

E. All of the above.

Freedom Writers is:

A. A predictable film with good intentions.

B. The female version of Stand and Deliver and Coach Carter.

C. Erin Gruwell's favorite movie.

D. Proof that Scott Glenn deserves more work.

E. All of the above.

Notes on a Scandal stars Judi Dench as a mature high school professor who shows great interest in new teacher Cate Blanchett. Cate Blanchett is in a loveless marriage with a difficult home life. When Dench discovers Blanchett's affair with a student, she blackmails her and tries to get her to switch teams. Dench and Blanchett are so good here, you almost sympathize with their despicable characters. The screenplay by Patrick Marber is first rate and Dench delivers great narration throughout the film. The movie is well-directed and well-shot.

Freedom Writers stars Hillary Swank as a new high school teacher in Gangland, Los Angeles, who inspires her integrated and diverse class to unite and succeed, creating a surrogate home for them in her classroom. Her breakthrough is a field trip to the Holocaust museum and her use of The Diary of Anne Frank. Based on a true story, it's actually surprising that there are no surprises here. Every plot point is expected, even the ones involving the secondary charcters. This being an MTV movie, white men are either unsupportive husbands, cowards without rhythm, or skeptical fathers. Unlike Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn is able to rise above his thinly-written role. But it's hard to get too angry at a film with this much heart. The characters here deserve to have their story told. If only we could take the brain and guts from Notes on a Scandal and add it to the heart and soul of Freedom Writers, then we would have a great film. Both films: B-