I cannot recommend this highly enough. You will find hope in a new generation of teenagers and a desire to see education thrive in our country again.

Full Review | Mar 31, 2020

Dellamaggiore has crafted a doc that highlights our currently shrinking school budgets, while making light of what can be done with a little hope, perseverance, and community outreach.

Full Review | Feb 9, 2020

Brooklyn Castle does a superb job of celebrating the triumph while reinforcing the relentless vigilance it requires from everyone involved.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 7, 2013

With Brooklyn Castle it's really nice to see so many young, positive minds at play in the world, and to cheer on so many smiling children dreaming of enlightened futures.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 6, 2013

Brooklyn Castle is inspiring stuff that grabs you by the throat and will leave you cheering - quietly of course. No shouting in a chess match.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 28, 2013

There's a general spirit of triumph and perseverance to "Brooklyn Castle" that's inevitably uplifting.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Mar 1, 2013

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 22, 2013

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 22, 2013

... a powerful and positive story about dedicated teachers helping kids succeed no matter what their circumstances

Full Review | Dec 10, 2012

Like chess, not exactly a high-energy experience but seeing what these kids accomplish, seemingly against all odds is breathtaking all the same.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Dec 8, 2012

...provides a corrective to the popular image of American schools as obsessed with sports and popularity, and it makes the strongest possible case for funding after-school activities.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 22, 2012

Chess, brilliant young students and great teachers potent mix.

Full Review | Original Score: B plus | Nov 16, 2012

"Brooklyn Castle" easily checkmates your inner cynic.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 15, 2012

Katie Dellamaggiore's lively and affecting documentary introduces us to a cast of characters that's very winning (in both senses of the word).

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 15, 2012

It's not To Sir, With Love: It's fierce ambition, the channeling of emotion, and hours of drilling.

Full Review | Nov 14, 2012

The I.S. 318 team? A delightfully motley, vulnerable, multicultural bunch, whose addiction to chess has allowed them higher aspirations for top high schools and, eventually, college and careers. You will root for them like crazy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2012

We meet five of the team's members and several of their teachers; by its end, you'll be rooting for them all.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 8, 2012

"BROOKLYN CASTLE is a compelling, engaging and inspiring Documentary, featuring Junior High kids that you can relate to. Even if you don't know the game of Chess all too well, it won't stop you from enjoying this pleasant film."

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 2, 2012

Enlightening, inspiring and expertly crafted.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 1, 2012

Brooklyn Castle provides a snapshot of indomitable American can-do attitude, and gives one hope.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Nov 1, 2012