The George McKenna Story

1st time I saw this film was this year, and I was very impressed with Denzel's performance in this tribute. I enjoy watching old movies every now and then, but I wasn't expecting this to be as good as it actually was! Have told a lot of friends about the #YoungDenzel and his performance. "Don't believe me just watch". This tribute to McKenna was written well and the scenes we shot pretty well. Lynn Whitfield did a great job supporting Denzel, but when isn't she great?! Denzel did a great job showing the frustration & passion of a man caring about his school and students. Very Good! Lynn could have def had some more lines in this film, but she did have enough lines to feel the movie from the "supportive wife's" point of view.

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

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.

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.

http://cinemagardens.com

From the 2020 perspective the problems with underserved minorities in L.A. remain largely unchanged. Too bad.

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.