Educational Media Reviews Online

There are a variety films about teaching at-risk students. Films such as Dangerous Minds (1999) and The Freedom Writers (2007) feature strong willed teachers who reach out to their troubled students and through perseverance transform their students' lives. While these films are entertaining and may tug a heartstring or two, they do not highlight the real experiences of the students. That is where The Bad Kids brings forth a healthy dose of reality. This documentary examines many facets of alternative education including poverty, empathy, and support in an observational and often poignant way.

This documentary delves into the world of the Black Rock Continuation High School located in the Mojave Desert. Principal Vonda Viland and her teachers work with impoverished students who were on the brink of the dropping out of traditional high school. The film follows Viland and her tireless work to keep students motivated and on-track with graduation. The film also focuses on three students: Joey, an aspiring musician from a troubled household; Jennifer, a bright young woman dealing with a traumatic past of sexual abuse; and Lee, a new father who struggles to support his family. These students are trying to get earn their high school diploma to improve their circumstances, while dealing with adversity along the way.

The film’s observational style allows the narrative to unfold at a natural pace that weaves between the principal and students. Viland works with countless students to provide them with tough love, guidance, and support. She is direct with the students and holds them accountable for their own failures and successes. She describes the challenges that impoverished students face, including drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. The students’ personal stories reinforce Viland’s claims, and help the viewer understand the complexity of their situations. For example, drug addiction is one of Joey’s struggles. When the film delves into his home life, the viewer can infer why his unstable family history has lead him down his path. While the film digs at these layers of complexity, it does not try to prescribe a solution; rather it handles the students’ issues with empathy and without censorship.

In terms of technical quality, this documentary is above average for an independent film. It was shot in high-definition and its moody lighting accurately captures the tone of the film. This film will interest a variety of audiences from high school to collegiate settings. In particular, faculty and students will find it valuable for a variety of subject areas, including teacher education, diversity, anthropology, leadership, sociology, and social work. The issue-filled film will stimulate conversations and help contextualize the effects of poverty that cannot be described in a textbook. This film is a beneficial addition to academic library collections.