DorothyLou Harris

I found this movie riveting on many levels. Yes the performances are excellent and anything Ron Howard directs is worth watching. But the real strength of the movie is its uncanny ability to promote good discussions on so many of the issues faced by society today. It’s the “morning after” at our house and we are still talking about it. Poverty, domestic abuse, the opioid crisis, family relationships, strength of will, perseverance, and taking responsibility are all up for discussion. As a high school teacher, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this film in class to promote good discussion of these issues. And I would follow it up with a writing assignment, a personal essay. The results would probably be excellent, and in some cases, jaw dropping. As a parent, I would also like my kids to see the movie for the same reason. Oh, and finally, if a movie leaves you feeling you really want to read the book on which it is based, then it’s a good one, because it expands the mind, and that to me is a major success.