Cooley High

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CodyZamboni Z Pleasant , you are there, realistic depiction of 1964 teenage life in Chicago, An American Graffiti type story, a slice of life, with appealing performances, a good soundtrack, a sobering ending, Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/31/24 Full Review Michael F This is a true classic and has it all from drama to comedy to racial tension. Terrific acting all around and a very well done plot that grips you through the entirety of this film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/15/24 Full Review Mike F This film is a true classic that I was fortunate enough to discover as a teenager in the early 90's and have enjoyed watching many times. Compelling dramatic story about black teens growing up in a tough Chicago neighborhood with some drizzles of comedy sprinkled in just right. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Featuring the music of Mo-Town it’s one of the early 1970s pictures that changed the landscape of black cinema Unlike many of the blaxploitation films that came out where that were fierce and over the top this one takes a more relatable approach A group of kids growing up in the Chicago projects during the 1960s just trying to survive and live their finest years even if it means cutting class parading around the city One student named Preach wants to become a successful writer, his buddy Cochise is applying for a scholarship for basketball They just have to work their way around joyriding, girls, and avoid getting tangled with street thugs Directed by Robert Townsend the film truly represents its Chicago residents about the poverty-stricken, racially oppressed, and the black identity But it gives hope that just because someone is from the hood doesn’t mean they will not be good to have a future and make a life for themselves ‘Cooley High’ speaks to the black community about of a lot of things and that’s always welcome Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/29/23 Full Review Audience Member All Black cast version American Graffiti. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review dave s Set in Chicago in 1964, Cooley High follows senior high school students Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Preach (Glynn Turman) as they chase girls, drink wine, and get high, all while dreaming of escaping their lives of poverty and oppression. The film has its moments, but is too often saddled with dialogue that feels forced, too many scenes that serve no purpose, and oddly murky interior shots. However, the lead characters are likeable, Turman and Hilton-Jacobs give strong performances, the Motown soundtrack is fantastic, and the final act is deeply touching. If the whole film could have been handled with the same sensitivity and finesse of the last five minutes, this could have been a great movie. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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