 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ten9Eight
- Review Date: February 6, 2010
- NR
- Genre: Documentary
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Docu features teen CEOs beating poverty, drugs, violence.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this documentary about inner-city teens participating in a national business plan competition offers lots of positive messages about staying in school, working hard, setting goals, and reaching for dreams. It also introduces business entrepreneurship as an alternative to violence, criminal activity, and/or drug abuse. The young contestants’ personal stories deal with violence, addiction, molestation, and absentee parents, but all of these tough topics are addressed within the context of positive narratives about overcoming obstacles.
What's the story?
In TEN9EIGHT, inner-city high school students from across the country compete in a national business plan competition. The 35 high school students -- who have created businesses for things like importing cell phone charger machines and selling vegetarian dog treats -- were selected from the 24,000 participants in the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Business Education Program to compete in the organization's 2008 competition in New York City. During the competition, the young entrepreneurs -- all of whom have coped with racial tensions, poverty, drugs, and violence in their lives -- get the chance to impress high-profile judges like Home Depot CEO Arthur Blank and USA Network co-founder Kay Koplovitz for a prize of $10,000. Only one young CEO wins the money, but all of the contestants take home the confidence to continue building their business and secure a successful future.
Is it any good?
This documentary showcases the successful NFTE program, which was developed as a dropout prevention program almost 20 years ago. It seems to have accomplished its goals: The movie highlights some of the difficult situations the contestants have overcome by participating in business education activities. And it also emphasizes the fact that most of the teens' current and future success is owed to staying in school.
But it's the teens’ personal journeys and insights -- which come as a result of their private struggles and professional endeavors -- that are the main source of inspiration here. They offer positive messages about working hard, setting goals, and persevering in the face of challenges. The group also demonstrates how it's possible to overcome tough situations by getting an education. Best of all, the featured teens serve as positive role models for others across the country.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie's contestants counter media stereotypes about inner city teens. How are they different from what you might expect?
Does your
high school offer anything like the NFTE Business Education program? If not, would there be benefits to
starting one?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Following your dreams of being a CEO
I like it so much. I love their ideas and inventions. Even through they lost. Their still winners of tomorrow.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | PBS Home Videos |
| Director: | Mary Mazzio |
| Cast: | Rodney Walker, Steve Mariotti |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 84 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 7, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | May 4, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
