The George McKenna Story

The true story of a teacher (Denzel Washington) in Los Angeles 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.

This isn't the perfect film. Clearly it is hampered by the budget and restrictions of a television movie. It is probably a bit short, because the timeline seems awful constricted. But within the context of what the film is, it is incredible.

Years before the LA riots and bigger movies like "Dangerous Minds", we have this story of a school going from gangland to college material. And Denzel Washington leading the way. I had no idea he was acting in the mid-1980s, and giving such commanding performances. Has he ever given a bad performance? I think not, as he carried this film.

I recently watched Hard Lessons (1986) on Netflix. The storyline follows the true story of a teacher who lands his dream opportunity to become the principal of a Los Angeles high school. Unfortunately, the school is plagued by unmotivated teachers, violence, drugs, and students with little hope for success after high school. Determined to make a difference, he works to inspire the teachers and give the students hope for a brighter future.

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.

For a lower budget TV film, I was really surprised. When it started, it looked like a school video made to show kids why drugs are bad. I wasn't sure which way this was going to go when I put it on Netflix, but I had a feeling Denzel was gonna pull through! He's Denzel Washington for goodness sake! Honestly, if it weren't for him, this would have been a bit of a boring film. There is some cliché stuff in there and the quality is not too great, but with a good, grounded story, competent acting in the majority of the cast, and Denzel's skills, it's really a good movie. It's great to see him so young and so talented, before the fame. He really put his all into every performance, even when he wasn't making the big bucks. If you're into inspirational stories, films about education, or a Denzel fan, definitely watch it. You won't be disappointed.

Denzil plays a man name George McKenna who, according to the movie, created homeroom as a way to organization and dictate how many students are coming to class. I find that interesting being someone who went to high school with homeroom and not really given it much thought that their was a beginning.

It's so dated in the 80s with the hip hop soundtrack that includes the DJ scratches. It's over dramatic with the type of stereotypes of bad kids who are misunderstood and gangbangers that people will be making fun of and parodying today.

But it's Denzil. Like the Mighty Quinn would do for him in a short few years later, Hard Lessons was showing the world that Denzil could be a leading man with his performance of George McKenna, a man who cared and was not scared to put it all on the line cause he cared. Some of the actions he took was not liked by fellow teachers, and his dedication to his job cost him his woman (played by Lynn Witfield, who I don't think I would give up to help some kids.)

And like always, Denzil is killing it, even with the limits that television was trying to put on his skills, he shines.

For those of you who are fans of Denzil I would recommend you watch it, try not to laugh at the dated fashion and the message though accurate and positive was being beaten over your head with a melodrama stick. Just try to get into the early development of Mr. Washington.

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Next up on Denzel Washington's filmography is 1986's TV movie The George McKenna Story or Hard Lessons as it was later known in some territories on dvd.

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.