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

The tale screenwriter Ronald Bass came up with, and the way director John N. Smith tells it, is stereotypical, predictable and simplified to the point of meaninglessness.

The movie has real emotional and reportorial credibility, a prime source of its power.

Dangerous Minds is formula-feel-good that works most of the time. What makes it click is Pfeiffer's excellent acting and a supporting cast of talented kids.