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      The George McKenna Story

      1986 1h 34m Drama List
      Reviews 55% 250+ Ratings Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less Watch on Netflix Stream Now

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      Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Amazing film!! It was engaging and intense!! The film showed how one man will do anything to make a situation better!! The scenes about making everything better was engaging!! This was Denzel Washington's last TV movie and he did not disappoint!! He was terrific as the main protagonist!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      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 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      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
      Joan Barnett, Alan Landsburg
      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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