Review: Heart of Stone, though it lacks the same power and emotion, shares many similar qualities to those countless fictional stories of a teacher coming into a community and changing it for the better. That is to be expected from such a film, but what was unexpected is how close director Beth Toni Kruvant got to some leading figures within the local gang community. This impressive additional layer ultimately saves a documentary that didn’t follow through enough on its promise to viewers. The promises and expectations it failed to meet were in drawing outsiders into this world so different then most. Audiences who know Weequahic High School most likely can understand the backdrop of crime, but even viewers raised in similar inner city schools can’t truly relate to a community that only 50 years earlier was the pride of American education. Though there is a short summary of the history of the community, it is quite dry and lacks the emotional punch that would truly draw audiences in. Similarly, the increased success that occurred during Principal Ron Stone’s tenure was never truly articulated in a substantial way. We hear interviews detailing the improvement, but not facts and figures. This is a theme throughout the entirety of Heart of Stone. People’s opinions and interviews are treated as fact and little credence is given to authorities or facts. The three gang members that are chronicled all seem legitimate, but in a world where remaining tough is key, it’s not hard to distrust stories boasted by some of these teenagers. It’s not that what they say is unbelievable, but their stories would be so much more powerful if at least one other person verified what they said. Despite these flaws, Heart of Stone is a solid documentary. Beth Toni Kruvant understands the world she is filming and does her best to build a story without exploiting her subjects. Sometimes this respect is taken a little too far as audiences demand more bold filmmaking, but its clear her loyalty is to the school and the community and that is something to respect and admire. Heart of Stone will tug at your emotions, especially towards the end, but not enough to make audiences truly reflect deeply on what they’ve seen. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 3- the stories are great, but it lacks tangible facts and data to support the school’s overall improvement Entertainment: 3- decently paced, but certain aspects of the film weren’t explored enough Technical: 3- excellent animations and graphics, but nothing special beyond that Overall: 3- a solid film, but never really lets audiences in
 
Format: Theater Year: 2009 Running Time: 84 Min Distributor: N/A Producer: Beth Toni Kruvant Director: Beth Toni Kruvant Date Reviewed: 5-4-2009 Story: During the 1960s, Weequahic High School was one of the top public high schools in America. Over the next 30 years academic performance plummeted as gangs ruled campus and the streets. In 2001 the school saw the arrival of a new principal, Ron Stone, who vowed to return the school back to its former glory. By partnering with a committed alumni association, comprised mostly of older Jewish and younger African-American alums, to raise funds for programs and scholarships, Stone helped transform the gang culture of the school to one of discipline and performance (from AFF wbesite).