It's Elementary

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I learned about sex the old-fashioned way: from kids in the schoolyard. Today, kids learn about sex from Eddie Murphy movies and Ricki Lake. It's a frightening thought that some kids' first look at a gay person will be on a Jerry Springer show talking about ''Lesbian Moms Who Wear Leather'' and ''Gay Men Who Dress Like Barbie.'' It's Elementary takes a close look at schools that are teaching students of all ages about gay lifestyles. Most films have taken the view from the parents' standpoint (''Should this be taught in schools?''). It's Elementary goes the next step and sees what happens when the community is taught in schools. What is most surprising is how much kids know and how much compassion they have for other people. There are some great moments that only children can provide: jaws dropping as teacher explains that some of the students' favorite singers and performers are queer, third-graders debating gay marriage, and fourth-graders revealing that it makes them ''feel weird in the stomach'' to hear someone called ''faggot.'' This film will give you great hope for this country and its view of gays and lesbians. At such an early age, these children announce their strength, and Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff captures their innocence with elegance. --Chris Lion