An ex-marine looking for temporary work as a teacher takes on a full time job of trying to educate a class from hell. Coolio's famous song, "Gangsta's Paradise" is played over the opening credits.
It's one of those films that in the beginning is uncomfortable but as it progresses it turns into a compelling, emotional journey backed by a strong cast of youngsters. Not quite the type of film you would usually associate with the production team of Simpson/Bruckheimer.