Higher Learning Movie Review 1994

Racism, idealism, and the struggle for identity converge in this stylistically shot but rarely enlightening commentary on campus life and strife, focusing on three very different freshmen at fictional Columbus University--a bright track star (Ebbs) who questions the exploitation of black student athletes; a sheltered, sexually confused beauty from the 'burbs (Swanson); and a goony, paranoid loner who falls in with a group of skinheads (Rapaport). Singleton's honorable intention--to make a movie that makes a difference--is marred by cardboard supporting characters, a penchant for in-your-face irony, and a predictable, simplistic conclusion.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 127 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

African America, Nazis & Other Paramilitary Slugs, Lesbians, Campus Capers

Screenplay

John Singleton

Cast

Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, Michael Rapaport, Laurence "Larry" Fishburne, Jennifer Connelly, Ice Cube, Tyra Banks, Jason Wiles, Cole Hauser, Regina King, Colleen (Ann) Fitzpatrick

Cinematography

Peter Lyons Collister

Director

John Singleton

Producer

John Singleton, Paul Hall, New Deal