High School High (1996): Dir: Hart Bochner / Cast: Jon Lovitz, Tia Carrere, Mekhi Pfifer, Louise Fletcher, Malinda Williams: The sight of bagged liquor bottles dispensed through soda machines is the one brief sight joke that works in this failed formula crap. Tired of his old school, teacher Jon Lovitz accepts a position at an inner city school where his car is stolen but his steering wheel lock remains. His classroom consists of loose floorboards and walls that cave to staples. None of this is very interesting although director Hart Bochner has timing on his side. Despite his efforts Lovitz is unable to elevate his role above conventions. His role is cardboard and by the numbers as he struggles to find a technique to reach these students. Tia Carrere is wasted as another teacher. She is basically there to provide a possible love interest. Louise Fletcher plays the principal as a homage to her role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest but to a lesser degree. Mekhi Pfifer plays a student seeking opportunity but the role is never funny. Malinda Williams plays his cardboard girlfriend. This pushes a potential message of hard work and study that all but drains any remaining humour possibilities. It makes fun of the education system but for a superior high school comedy check out Fast Times at Ridgemont High and tossed this failed comedy in the detention room. Score: 2 / 10
Review of High School High
