While the commendable exploits are evident, and the real-life basis adds another level of triumph, the by-the-books, straightforward, un-theatrical style and editing – almost as if a documentary – saps tension and entertainment value.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Nov 8, 2024

Edward James Olmos earned a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his inspired -- and inspiring -- performance.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 10, 2024

...slow-moving yet mostly compelling...

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 18, 2022

As original as it is fascinating, because it's based on intelligence and self-improvement, on the joy of learning, something that's almost always ignored by the cinema. [Full review in Spanish]

| Sep 9, 2021

As a paean to the idea that one individual can still make a difference in this world, Stand and Deliver does just that.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 12, 2021

Director Menendez has skillfully captured both the school and the kids' home environments. Nothing is prettified we are given barrio life in its beautiful-ugly rawness. Casting choices for the kids are generally brilliant.

| Aug 11, 2021

I won't tell the end, I'll just say this is a wonderful movie. Olmos is superb, funny, strong; Lou Diamond Phillips makes a terrific wise-guy student But then, everybody's terrific. You come away feeling cheered and hopeful.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 11, 2021

Stand and Deliver has integrity and pride in the people it depicts.

| Original Score: B | Aug 11, 2021

Stand and Deliver convincingly conveys the high that occurs when things are humming in a classroom, when the light dawns and a concept comes crystal clear.

| Aug 11, 2021

Stand and Deliver is a rousing, stand-up-and-cheer movie that wears down the most cynical viewer in much the same manner that Escalante wears down his most unreachable students -- with raucous humor and ruthless determination.

| Aug 11, 2021

The depth and enthusiasm [Olmos] he brings to the role is impressive. Also very good is Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba) as Angel, a sunglassed tough guy who wants to learn math but won't admit it.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 11, 2021

OK, it's flawed. But goodness triumphs. Stand and Deliver is a great movie for anyone with a schoolbook, for anyone who thinks bad things can't change, for anyone who thinks one person is not enough to make a difference.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 11, 2021

There's no question but that Jaime Escalante, the dedicated mathematics teacher of Garfield High School, deserves to be honored. And Edward James Olmos... turns in a superior performance as Escalante in a film based on truth.

| Aug 11, 2021

What makes the film go is Edward James Olmos' riveting performance as Escalante.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 11, 2021

We all know what a difference an individual can make in a person's life. Stand and Deliver portrays this powerful influence in a most entertaining manner.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 11, 2021

Those who have only seen Olmos playing the stoic and monosyllabic police captain on Miami Vice are in for a quite a shock here.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 11, 2021

Stand and Deliver takes an honourable place alongside The Paper Chase and Une Semaine de Vacances as one of the few movies that deal seriously with teaching and make the process of education exciting.

| Aug 11, 2021

It makes for an experience both totally absorbing and finally moving.

| Aug 11, 2021

Menendez orchestrates all this very well, without resort to the usual uplifting sentimentality, and Olmos, with his wry, hang-dog expression does everything, and more, to convince us that here was an exceptional motivator.

| Aug 11, 2021

You don't need a head for figures to like Stand and Deliver. It is one of the most beguiling, cheerfully motivating American movies for some time.

| Aug 11, 2021