Day 264 - 9/21/09 - Movie #264
BEFORE: Well, "Fame" was the last movie in my chain of films about New York City - but it was also the first movie in a new chain. Since September is back-to-school time, I'll be watching a batch of films set in schools - first we head across the river to Paterson, NJ.
THE PLOT: The dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school that he is determined to improve.
AFTER: Morgan Freeman dominates this film, just like Joe Clark exerting his influence on Eastside High. Based on the true story of Joe Clark, who became the national symbol for "tough-love" education. We see him clash with drug dealers, angry parents, fire marshalls, lazy teachers, and lazier students, with a megaphone in one hand and occasionally a baseball bat in the other.
But he does get kids to learn, and he gets the test scores up, so it's hard to argue with success. And he does manage to win over the kids, once they realize that he has their best interests at heart - so ultimately this is an inspiring tale.
Co-starring Robert Guillaume, Ethan Phillips (of "Star Trek: Voyager"), Lynne Thigpen (as an angry parent), and a brief appearance by future "Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli as one of the kids who gets kicked out of the school early in the film.
RATING: 7 out of 10 padlocks
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Dude, I can't believe you picked out Michael Imperioli in the crowd scene, I thought I was the only one who did that!!
ReplyDeleteNo mention that Robert Guillaume and Ethan Phillips were former "Benson" buddies? :)