Off a second Academy Award nomination for her performance in The Help (and widely regarded as snubbed for the same Oscar), Viola Davis’ next role is in another inspirational drama (perhaps also glossing over some of its deeper issues) where she plays a teacher and mother working to change the corrupted school system in her lower-class neighborhood.

Her performance was expected to pick up some Oscar traction later this year, but to many’s surprise, it’s not her in the leading role, but co-star Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight). Whether intentional or not, she does quote Gandhi, and we sincerely hope it was just trailer editing that prevented us from hearing “Gandhi said” before “be the change you want to see in the world.”

Both actresses give what look to be exceptional performances (although providing more to work with for Gyllenhaal), and this film also looks like it hopes to pick up an Oscar (you can always tell from when they drop “ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE” in front of an actor’s name), but it’s got some things working against it.

For one thing, it’s directed by Daniel Barnz, whose last movie was the flop Beastly. As stated before, it does look to gloss over most of its deeper issues in exchange for inspiration, Lifetime-esque drama – not the way to appeal to critics. The Blind Side did pick up a Best Picture nomination in its year to the surprise (and chagrin) of many, although a 200 million+ domestic haul, ratings boost to the Golden Globes, and aggressive marketing campaign on the part of Warner Bros. didn’t hurt its chances.

The film also stars Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol), Oscar Isaac (Drive), and Holly Hunter (The Incredibles).