We witness many of Stephenson's inspirational moments during class, but miles more exist behind her students' skills and execution.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
That rare commodity: a film with only good things to say about public schools.
75
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
Succeeds by placing us in an interesting world with characters who are impossible not to root for.
75
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
The movie's sense of inspiration is realistic. It never implies a future of glamour, only hard-won success.
70
Village Voice
Village Voice
The intersection of food and identity is briefly explored, and the prep/exam sequences have a tension and charm that keeps the film moving toward its literally rewarding climax.
Pressure Cooker belongs to the honorable if overpopulated genre of inspirational films (both documentaries and features) dedicated to the proposition that one committed, passionate teacher can make all the difference in the lives of disadvantaged students.
Stephenson's a true original, worthy of her own reality TV show. As Pressure Cooker proves: Anything is possible.
70
Washington Post
Washington Post
Pressure Cooker may not get the royal, Conde Nast-magazine hype accorded that upcoming Julia Child movie (starring, who else, Meryl Streep), but it merits a place of honor at the table.
60
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
The culinary setting gives this familiar formula an appetizing twist.