Freeman is so good and scene stealing and all those wonderful things we love him for that he makes one forget that the film he's in is only 'alright' at best and at worst is preachy and confused in its tone going between super tough/realistic and sentimental. It's such a rich (if not complex) part to play, as the one guy who comes in like a sheriff in the clueless small old-west town, that you need someone who can rule the screen even in those little moments when (and they're not many in this case) the actor doesn't have much to do alongside another actor. Morgan Freeman owns the role of Principal Joe Clark so well that it might just be, over-the-top bits and all, one of his most commanding screen performances. I wouldn't recommend Lean on Me anywhere near as much if it had another actor in the lead. But faults aside I would still highly recommend it to see Freeman's Oscar worthy performance. Lean on Me clearly could have been much more than what it is. The story is worthy in of itself and didn't benefit from being exaggerated for dramatics. It cheapens the genuine accomplishments of the school and clashes with the hard-edged momentum of Joe Clark.
I also question the wisdom in using an imaginary plot point (the supposed school take over) and exaggerating the level of the student's academic improvement. Its like going from point A to point C while ignoring B. The problem is that her subplot like the others becomes neglected in the latter half of the film and is never given enough meaningful resolution to make the final scenes believable. She is won over by Clark almost immediately coming to view him as a mentor/father figure. The closest we get is with a bright young girl trying her best to succeed at school despite numerous domestic problems at home. None of the supporting characters are given enough development to really set them apart as individuals. And this is where the film stumbles somewhat. From tone to mannerisms Joe Clark is given a distinctive ambiance, Morgan Freemen IS the dominating force behind this entire film. Yes this is the drill sergeant of miracle workers if ever there was one. What sets Lean on Me apart from numerous other sentimental inspirational flicks is the unconventional style of Clark and Morgan Freeman's masterful portrayal of him. Despite outside resistance Clark becomes a pillar of hope for numerous students inspired by his harsh but ultimately uplifting demands for disciple, self betterment, and loyalty to their school and educational achievement. This makes him the target of countless parents, board members, civil servants, and other teachers determined to bring him and his radical new style down. Clark is fiercely strict and demanding towards both his students and teachers. Clark is given the daunting task of bringing student's test scores up to the minimum acceptable level within one school year or the school will be taken over by the state. Lean on Me is based around the experiences of Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman), who becomes the principal of a destitute New Jersey high school plagued with violence, drugs, and abysmal academic performance. Even if you think of none of the ideas of it, you cannot help but feel its heart.
Even if you never learned anyone's name from the film, the story will inspire. And so is the joyous feeling sensing the turn around taking place. The whole process of the often startling and occasionally unpleasant shock and force necessary to rebuild a dangerously failing school is accurately portrayed. BUT, better than the traditional "movie-ishness" of the picture, the story is not only a story of hope, but it is a true and ongoing lesson that real commitment can create real change. Fine workmanship in depicting the underdog who deserves to win from the director of "Rocky." Justifably award winning acting by Morgan Freeman, well before he became a stereotype of himself. But better than that it is the true story of a true hero who truly made a difference (.) Even if i wasn't a teacher, "Lean on Me" is a solidly recommendable film. I work in a school that was totally struggling and considered hopeless, marked as "failing" and basically in the same position as Eastside High in Paterson, NJ, the subject and setting of "Lean on Me." "Lean on Me" is a very good, nearly great movie.
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