Waiting for "Superman" (2010)

In the gripping documentary Waiting for "Superman", filmmaker Davis Guggenheim delves into the faltering public school system in the United States, a decline that began in the 1970s. Despite the nation's leaders promising reform and doubled per capita student funding, America continues to slip behind other developed nations in fundamental areas such as literacy. This issue is magnified by the blind belief of many Americans in the country's educational prowess. Guggenheim, a parent himself, chronicles the journey of five inner-city elementary school children - Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily - and their families, who despite their limited resources, possess a powerful belief in the transformative power of education and the determination to secure it. These narratives are the heart of Waiting for "Superman", a stark reminder that behind every education statistic lies a child's future. The film also profiles pioneering educators who are battling to rectify the systemic issues plaguing the education system they hold dear. The narrative sheds light on educational success stories, such as charter schools, demonstrating that the system can be rejuvenated if the collective will exists. However, these victories serve only as a stark contrast to the broader system's failure, as the film climactically follows our young protagonists and their families anxiously awaiting the results of charter school lotteries - a glimmer of hope against the backdrop of a crumbling system. Guggenheim's exhaustive review of public education is both an indictment and an exploration, surveying the landscape of 'drop-out factories' and 'academic sinkholes'. Waiting for "Superman" is not just a film; it's an urgent call for reform, a testament to the potential buried in our schools, and a tribute to those indefatigable individuals who refuse to let it go to waste.

Waiting for "Superman" is a documentary movie featuring Michelle Rhee.

Waiting for "Superman" is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Waiting for "Superman" on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.