NIGHT SCHOOL (2018)

Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee 
Written By: Kevin Hart, Nicholas Stoller, John Hamburg, Harry Ratchford, Joey Wells & Matthew Kellard 
Cinematography By: Greg Gardiner 
Editor: Paul Millspaugh 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Rob Riggle, Romany Malco, Taran Killam, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Al Madrigal, Mary Lyn Rajskub, Keith David, Anne Winters, Fat Joe, Ben Schwartz, Yvonne Orji 


A group of high school dropouts are forced to attend night school in hope that they'll pass the GED exam to finish high school.


The film should be a slam dunk as far as talent with director Malcolm D. Lee coming off the success of GIRL’S TRIP and bringing along the breakout star of that film Tiffany Haddish. As well as having Kevin Hart as the star. As he is continuously on a hot streak of box office successful films.

That might be the problem with the film as everyone seems over confident with themselves and seem to believe they or something will be good enough or save the film. As it comes across everyone is having. Fun making the film but no one seems to be putting in much effort. As the screenplay comes across as serviceable enough and the film seems to want to depend on the stars to spruce it up with their antics and talents. Though the film comes across as all over the place.

The film seems built to show off the leads comedic strengths. Not to mention also being a powerhouse team up. That has it’s moments but comes across as weak and seems almost insulting to themselves. Though it shows that both have no shame and no fear when it comes to comedy.

The film might not be the best quality wise but it does provide plenty of laughs. As this is more a film for an audience looking purely for entertainment and a good time. Not necessarily for good filmmaking or an actual good film that will make you think.

The film offers up strong comedic supporting actors, talent and characters who almost steal the show most of the time.

The film comes off as formulaic and the plot seems more difficult then it needs to be. As the material feels beneath the talents of the director whose comedies are usually much stronger and offer moments of emotion and drama. They are also usually better constructed.

The film has a certain Energy that seems squandered half the time. Just as it is funny in parts but usually more because the cast tries so hard In Certain scenes that they actually feel and have a rhythm that feels Infectious. It just feels more typical and not that too much effort or originality is involved.

The film is meant to present itself as colorblind entertainment and showcase it’s crossover appeal. Though made from a more mature audience that has juvenile antics. While cone might want to accuse the film or the stars of playing up to a certain Stereotype or playing the same type or acting the same way in most of their roles. Depending on What you are looking for out of the film it mostly comes off as harmless.


GRADE: D+