The Cartel and other stories

No, we’re not talking about the alt rock  band or the illicit transfer of controlled substances over the Mexican border. We’re talking about a movie that zeroes in on corruption in the New Jersey public school system. It seems “An Education” isn’t the only film out there about young people learning — or learning the wrong things or not learning at all, as the case may be.

“The Cartel” opens in theaters in New Jersey tomorrow, and judging from the trailers, it looks like an indictment of overspending in the schools and an unsubtle endorsement of school choice. Newark takes its knocks (don’t tell Conan O’Brien), as does the whole state. Anyway, agree or disagree on vouchers, charters, and school choice, the film seems tough and unrelenting. It’s directed by Bob Bowdon, who has worked for both Bloomberg Television and the Onion News Network. Interesting.

I won’t be in New Jersey anytime soon, so if you see it, let me know what you think. Here’s the trailer. Money quote: “It’s a sad scene, but they’ve been pimping on children for a long time.”

And for something more uplifting, there’s another film that comes out in limited release on Oct. 25. “The Providence Effect” chronicles the story of Providence St. Mel, a private school in Chicago, and its charismatic leader, Paul J. Adams III. “I believe our children will save this world,” Adams says in the trailer. This is an old story, though, and it was surprising to hear the announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States…” and then see President Reagan walk out on the podium to greet the students. But Chicago could use some feel-good footage about education, given what’s been going on in the past few weeks.

The trailer:

Money