Ajouter une intrigue dans votre langueHe risked it all to make the grade.He risked it all to make the grade.He risked it all to make the grade.
- Réalisation
- Scénario
- Casting principal
- Récompenses
- 1 victoire au total
- E.J.
- (as Micheal Matthews)
Avis à la une
As I write this review I'm getting the urge to watch "Devil in a Blue Dress", may just have to do that later!
#awynnisthename
This film, directed by Eric Laneuville (The Client List), stars Denzel Washington (Fences), Lynn Whitfield (Eve's Bayou), Akosua Busia (The Color Purple), James Allen Preston (A Few Good Men), and Ken Sagoes (A Nightmare on Elm Street 4).
The cinematography is a bit rough, and the film sometimes feels like an extended after-school special. The storyline is predictable, with formulaic transitions and character arcs. The background music and closing montage are classic 80s fare, which adds to the nostalgic charm. Seeing a young Denzel Washington in action was a treat, and his interactions with his wife provided some unexpectedly funny moments. While the film is sad in many ways, the closing narration is particularly well-done and leaves a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Hard Lessons isn't groundbreaking but is carried by Denzel Washington's strong performance. I'd rate it 6/10 and recommend it only with the appropriate expectations.
This movie was Denzil Washington's last television movie before he scored big a year later with the film "Cry Freedom". The George McKenna story also starred fine stage and screen actress Lynn Whitfield, who also was in another satisfying CBS fact based movie, Johnnie Mae Gibson, F.B.I. Though the movie is clichéd at times, the producers was intelligent to cast superior actors. The George McKenna Story, without Denzil Washington would have been a typical after school special with melodramatic violence. I gave this movie *** good, but nothing exceptionally special here. Check it out, it is on video.
In his first leading role, Denzel stars in the true story of a Los Angeles teacher, who becomes the Principal of George Washington Memorial High School. The school and its students are affected by the normal life of gangs and drugs in their lives. McKenna wanted to give the students a real choice at education and all it offered for their future. But he faced teachers used to the reality of their school, parents unable or unwilling to give the kids the support they needed, and kids just wanting to survive the streets.
There were a lot of school reform movies in the 80's and 90's and they all follow the same basic plot. So there's not much as far as surprises, that doesn't mean they can not be enjoyable. I found a lot to like in this, it is well told and is a solid watch.
If you do watch this, you need to bare in mind it's a TV movie, so there is no bad language and the violence is tame.
One of the usual problems with these type of movies is the actors playing High School students are about 30!! This is no exception, Terrance Ellis who plays Norris really stands out as being way too old!! One quick IMDB check reveals he is only 3 years younger than Denzel Washington.
It is pretty well acted throughout. Lynn Whitfield, Richard Masur and Virginia Capers all stand out. Anyone who bothers to watch it, may spot Israel Juarbe (Freddy from Karate Kid) as Miguel.
Its synth score is awful, though.
This another movie that was released on dvd years later?with a cover displaying Denzel Washington holding a gun, despite his character never firing one in the movie.
The full movie is on YouTube.
Le saviez-vous
- AnecdotesDirector Eric Laneuville and star Denzel Washington both acted as series regulars on Hôpital St. Elsewhere (1982).
- Citations
George McKenna: Son, you threatened a teacher. Now what do you expect me to do? Make believe nothing happened?
Robert Norris: Showing no movie ain't teaching.
George McKenna: Well then you come to me. That's what I'm here for. Now I'll talk to Mr. Goodman.
Robert Norris: Yeah?
George McKenna: Yeah.
Robert Norris: It's gonna be just like the rest of them.
George McKenna: Son, don't lay that humble on me.
Robert Norris: I ain't jiving you.
George McKenna: Yes you are. Now you're suspended for two days for threatening a teacher. There's no excuse for that.
Robert Norris: My momma's gonna kill me!
George McKenna: Well, then you'll think twice about it next time, won't you? That's all.