Preview: The First Grader (2011)

Synopsis:

An African school opens its doors to young children to learn, but when an elderly man decides he wants to learn to read in order to personally experience an old letter of his, the town is thrust into turmoil as they question his motives and the motives of the teacher who has no problem with it.

• Poster: C

Review:

Just like the sun it depicts, this is a poster you don't want to look directly at. It's too bright. While I can respect using the sunset to symbolize the old man's life, I'm not clear on why they include the young child.

• Trailer: B-

Review:

The trailer makes the movie look horribly trite. It's a concept that has been tackled before in different ways and the inspirational aspect of the narrative seems somewhat forced. It's almost like Hollywood's trying to mine and exploit the African people for sympathetic American audiences.

Oscar Prospects:

None.

Release Date:

• May 13, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (May 8, 2011) Original