Higher Learning (1995)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Sadly Over-hyped

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

At Columbus University there is about to be a race war,, blacks vs the skin heads,, the skin heads also hate Jews, gay, and lesbian. Omar Epps plays a college Professor,, Tyra Banks does a good job in her role.. Kristy Swanson also did okay,, there is a "rape" scene in the movie,, but on to other stuff like how the "Skinheads" were aloud to roam free after beating up a gay couple,, sit down and eat lunch just like nothing happened. Film takes a turn with the violence being served up, and it hits you over the head like a hammer, there are also sexuality issues, in the movie,, a teacher battling to try and get thru to the kids he is teaching,, film shows college life with black and whites trying to do the best they can to get along,, very interesting look at racism,, not to be missed, just don't take everything too seriously, as the filmmaker took a lot of liberties,, with what actually would happen in real life.

Director John Singleton is trying to cram every stereotype into this portrait of an American college. Sure the student body can be divided along racial lines and racial tensions. And sure there are rapes in colleges. And hard drinking parties ... And racist security ... And lesbian experimentation. All he needs is some gay guys and he's all set.Kristy Swanson plays the co-ed who falls into some hard partying and gets raped. Although I like her, she's not a versatile actress. If I have any problems, it's Busta Rhymes. He is the biggest ridiculous stereotype in this movie. Singleton is not doing him or himself any favors. The battle between Ice Cube and Michael Rapaport does drive the story in an interesting way. But again, Singleton takes it into the most sensationalized way. This is not a subtle movie. The characters are mostly 2-dimensional. Tyra Banks makes an impassioned plea, but even that seems 2-dimensional. I guess if there are enough 2-d, Singleton hopes it adds up to 3-d.

I was so excited when I saw Ice Cube's name, cuz I love the Friday franchise and his action flicks are entertaining, but wow! If its watched by someone who can ignore the heavily pushed message, then it might be OK, but then it wouldn't have any dialogue... What a catch 22. It showed racism & sexism from all sides, but more leaned toward the white MALE being the bad guy who has homosexual undertones. I didn't say MAN, because real MEN from any race aren't racist. You hear that Singleton and Spike Lee? I'm a white man whose ancestors were oppressed also. I'm Scottish with a little Irish blood too. Look it up. But there's always people who can't let go and move forward in every race too. Its just unfortunate that some work their way into showbiz and politics and try to spread their propaganda. Its everyone's world, so LIVE IN THE WORLD TOGETHER OR KILL YOURSELF!!! :) Spread love not lies.

Ah, life in college as depicted by "Boyz N the Hood" director John Singleton. It could've improved. Singleton gives a depiction of life at Columbus University- a place where students can try to make their dreams come true- amid the racism, violence, sexual mores, and other problems that seem to surround it. We're introduced to many characters, all of whom are different types of people, with different points of view, including Kristen (played by Kristy Swanson), a newcomers freshman, who falls in love only to realize it turns into rape. Along the way, she meets a lesbian feminist (played by Jennifer Connelly), who holds many meetings concerning anti-sexism. We're also introduced to Malik (played by Omar Epps) a runner on a partial scholarship who realizes the more he runs, the more he'll live college life on a full scholarship. He meets professor Maurice Phipps (played by Laurence Fishburne), who teaches him a little bit about life, and also meets Deja (played by Tyra Banks, in her film debut), another fellow runner whom Malik strikes a romance with. Ice Cube plays his friend Fudge, who does'nt like the racism surrounding the university and will take offense very easily the minute he hears the N-word or any other racist comment. And Michael Rapaport plays Remy, a Nazi who feels he will get criticized because of the color of his skin, and when the anger boils inside of him, he attempts to kill anyone different from him, leading to a big climax that just over-stereotypes. Later on, it leads to a shoot-out at a concert raising awareness for peace, leaving 1 wounded, and 2 dead.This movie would have done better, if not for the stereotypes surrounding this movie (yes, there are many n-words used by the Nazi characters; those who will feel offended too easily should take caution before seeing this movie), and the very cliché start of the movie. Otherwise, this is an D- in my grade book. P.S. At least Singleton did'nt attempt to take a "National Lampoon" view on this situation! P.P.S. unlearn