The George McKenna Story

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The George McKenna Story

1986

1h 34m

Drama

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2 Reviews

54%

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250+ Ratings

George McKenna (Denzel Washington) confronts a career-defining moment when he accepts a job as principal of a tough, inner city Los Angeles high school. Facing an apathetic student body and indifferent teachers and parents, McKenna, with help from dedicated educator Bobbie Maxwell (Lynn Whitfield), transforms the school from a gang-ridden war zone into a stepping-stone for higher education, and in the process gains the hard-won respect of the community and school administrators.

Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

Em seu ltimo papel numa produo feita para a televiso, Washington demonstra carisma e intensidade, mas a montagem amadora, a trilha insuportvel e o roteiro repleto de clichs anulam seus esforos.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 15, 2006

Full Review

Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Stand and Deliver still stands (no pun intended) as the only worthwhile entry into this genre, sad to say.

Rated: 2/5

May 6, 2002

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Mary S

These are not real kids and confrontations. The real battleground is much more insidious and soul-crushing.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/24/24

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Steve D

Denzel is the only reason it works. The script is weak and the most of the cast can't act. but Washington somehow makes the stilted dialog come to life.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/05/23

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Audience Member

This early Denzel biopic had a strong and important message and theme, however the production value, performances, dialogue, and overall execution felt dated, cliche, and usually severely lacking. This often looked more like a made for TV movie and I wouldn't be surprised if it premiered as such. Aside from the inspiring message, a young Denzel Washington was easily the most memorable aspect of this movie, putting in such a confidently intense performance as the title character fighting immense odds. Herbie Hancock definitely deserves a shout out for the score here too.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Audience Member

Ultimately what seems hopeless is not. Who could have foreseen the dangers in our schools today.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

Great film seen it back in high school and still think it's a good movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

A generic "tough principal turns around a failing and tumultuous high school" movie shows us an early glimpse of the great Denzel Washington.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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Eric Laneuville

Director

Denzel Washington

George McKenna

Lynn Whitfield

Bobbie Maxwell

Akosua Busia

Cynthia Byers

Richard Masur

Ben Proctor

Ray Buktenica

Alan Keith

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Synopsis

George McKenna (Denzel Washington) confronts a career-defining moment when he accepts a job as principal of a tough, inner city Los Angeles high school. Facing an apathetic student body and indifferent teachers and parents, McKenna, with help from dedicated educator Bobbie Maxwell (Lynn Whitfield), transforms the school from a gang-ridden war zone into a stepping-stone for higher education, and in the process gains the hard-won respect of the community and school administrators.

Director: Eric Laneuville
Producer: Linda Otto
Screenwriter: Charles Eric Johnson
Production Co: Landsburg Company
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 17, 2017
Runtime: 1h 34m

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