अपनी भाषा में प्लॉट जोड़ेंHe risked it all to make the grade.He risked it all to make the grade.He risked it all to make the grade.
- पुरस्कार
- कुल 1 जीत
- E.J.
- (as Micheal Matthews)
फ़ीचर्ड समीक्षाएं
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.
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.
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.
क्या आपको पता है
- ट्रिवियाDirector Eric Laneuville and star Denzel Washington both acted as series regulars on St. Elsewhere (1982).
- भाव
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.