Dangerous Minds

Name: Dangerous Minds
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Released: August 11, 1995
Duration: 99 min
Rating: 46
Cast: George Dzundza, Michelle Pfeiffer

1995

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 52 Ratings

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6.6

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6.6	Your Score
6.6	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 52 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: August 11, 1995 | R

Starring: George Dzundza, Michelle Pfeiffer

Summary: Based on an incredible true-life story – Michelle Pfeiffer stars as former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, a first-time high school teacher assigned to a class of tough but smart inner city students. When conventional methods fail to reach them, the feisty Ms. Johnson tries the unconventional -- defying the rules and creating her ownBased on an incredible true-life story – Michelle Pfeiffer stars as former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, a first-time high school teacher assigned to a class of tough but smart inner city students. When conventional methods fail to reach them, the feisty Ms. Johnson tries the unconventional -- defying the rules and creating her own curriculum. In the process, she instills a new self-confidence in her students -- motivating them toward their greatest potential. (BV Entertainment)… Expand

Director: John N. Smith

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 99 min

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Critic Reviews

Peter Travers

And Pfeiffer gives a funny, scrappy performance that makes you feel a committed teacher's fire to make a difference. Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Though it lacks the sensational pizzazz of "Blackboard Jungle", the politics here are arguably somewhat better, and the supporting cast -- George Dzundza, Courtney P. Vance, Robin Bartlett, Beatrice Winde -- isn't bad either. Read full review

Todd McCarthy

Pfeiffer tackles the part with obvious dedication, but she's thwarted from the get-go by the heavily proscribed nature of the role as written. Read full review

James Berardinelli

In the case of Dangerous Minds, we get an idealized version of inner city life, where, though problems may require more than the wave of a magic wand to remove, the solutions still seem too facile. Read full review

Janet Maslin

False and condescending films in this genre are nothing new, but Dangerous Minds steamrollers its way over some real talent. Read full review

Rita Kempley

The film fleetingly touches on the underfunding of schools and other administrative problems as well as the more compelling personal issues of teen pregnancy and violence. But the characters are so poorly drawn and underdeveloped that they seem to be little more than personifications of these societal ills. Read full review

David Sterritt

Movie stars have tamed sassy kids in movies from "The Blackboard Jungle" to "Stand and Deliver," but it's hard to remember an example more patronizing or sentimentalized than this one. Read full review

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User Reviews

TheTastyPotato

Sep 4, 2016

A good movie...waay better than what the critics are saying. The reason why it is not a 10 to me is that the ending was quite meh and some parts felt forced (forgivable thought).

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

talisencrw

May 20, 2016

This would have only been ordinary because it's simply adequately directed, has an entire cast of unknowns save for the star, and is from a cliché-riddled script, but this is honestly one of Michelle Pfeiffer's more interesting performances. While she's not entirely convincing as aThis would have only been ordinary because it's simply adequately directed, has an entire cast of unknowns save for the star, and is from a cliché-riddled script, but this is honestly one of Michelle Pfeiffer's more interesting performances. While she's not entirely convincing as a career-Marine, she's certainly more so than Demi Moore, who tried the stunt not long afterwards, and she's certainly believable as a caring teacher. An intriguing film for Simpson and Bruckheimer to be associated with, this was back in the day, after her career-defining 'Catwoman' role in 'Batman Returns' that she was still getting great starring roles (I greatly look forward to checking her out opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in 'The Age of Innocence'). My favourite work of hers will always be in 'Scarface', but this is right up there IMHO--some really fine acting by her. It's simply a shame only one note was asked of her--had it been a more multi-dimensional character (ie., love or family interests--I've read a possible romance scene with Andy Garcia was left on the cutting room floor so they could focus on her interaction with the students), it would have been even more inviting to watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

r96sk

May 6, 2021

So cheesy, but still fairly good mind you.

I did find myself cringing a decent amount throughout 'Dangerous Minds' though, not necessarily in a negative way but just due to some rather sickly scenes. I found Michelle Pfeiffer's performance to be, for the most part, pleasant, though thereSo cheesy, but still fairly good mind you.

I did find myself cringing a decent amount throughout 'Dangerous Minds' though, not necessarily in a negative way but just due to some rather sickly scenes. I found Michelle Pfeiffer's performance to be, for the most part, pleasant, though there are a few scenes where she overacts ever so slightly - in my opinion, of course.

Away from Pfeiffer, there isn't much to shout about. George Dzundza (Hal) has a few moments, as do the likes of Renoly Santiago, Bruklin Harris and Wade Dominguez. The lead is the only one who keeps things interesting, though.

The plot is fine, as is everything else really. They use "Gangsta's Paradise" (at least?) three times which is undoubtedly, absolutely three times too little - what a banger of a song that is from Coolio and L.V.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Steven1981

Mar 21, 2020

Dangerous Minds stars Michelle Pfeiffer and George Dzundza. It's a 1995 thriller/drama movie by director John N. Smith and Michelle Pfeiffer has some role as a teacher however the pupils in her class are all idiots mainly, losers, annoying or black tough guys. This film brings a new kind ofDangerous Minds stars Michelle Pfeiffer and George Dzundza. It's a 1995 thriller/drama movie by director John N. Smith and Michelle Pfeiffer has some role as a teacher however the pupils in her class are all idiots mainly, losers, annoying or black tough guys. This film brings a new kind of boredom but Pfeiffer's acting is great so I won't insult her on that subject. George Dzundza is his usual self but this film could of been so much better and the unlikeable and stupid characters could of been stupid but the level of stupidity decreased and not so annoying.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

Qasem23

Nov 13, 2011

One of the most superficial and racial stereotype provoking films of all time. Good luck trying to learn something from this ****

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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64	#64 Most Discussed Movie of 1995
39	#39 Most Shared Movie of 1995