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Christian Hamaker (Crosswalk) says, "Although it doesn't reach the peaks of Akeelah and the Bee in its acting, and goes a bit too far in its sermonizing, Freedom Writers, inspired by a true story, is a fine, uplifting tale of an idealistic young woman and the hope she instills in her students."

Mainstream critics are impressed with it as well, and many surprised to find it so much better than other films that follow the same theme.

Marcus Yoars (Plugged In) says, "Fifty profanities and moments of gore certainly detract from this story. … [But] Erin Gruwell's is a remarkable adventure that encompasses sacrifice, determination, fearlessness and hope. … [E]xceptional messages get communicated in almost every scene as these kids grab hold of something beautiful and life-changing."

Kathy Bledsoe (Past the Popcorn) says, "All the elements are present to make a movie that entertains and educates. The problem is that the subject has been explored before and better—Stand and Deliver, Mr. Holland's Opus, Dangerous Minds, etc."

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