High School High (1996)

13% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
39% of users liked it
(35,612 ratings)

In this comic send-up of dramas set in urban schools (such as Lean on Me and Dangerous Minds), Jon Lovitz plays Richard Clark, a teacher who is persuaded to give up his position at Wellington Academy, an upscale private school (where the receptionist cheerfully answers calls with the question "Are… More In this comic send-up of dramas set in urban schools (such as Lean on Me and Dangerous Minds), Jon Lovitz plays Richard Clark, a teacher who is persuaded to give up his position at Wellington Academy, an upscale private school (where the receptionist cheerfully answers calls with the question "Are you white?"), to take over a class at Marion Barry High School in Inner City, U.S.A. Marion Barry High is a far cry from the ivory-tower atmosphere of Wellington; the statue in the courtyard holds a crack pipe, the Michigan Militia sets up a booth for career day, and there's so much violence on campus that the school has its own graveyard; however, Clark is determined to reach his thick-headed charges, and he hopes to also make an impression on Victoria Chappell (Tia Carrere), a beautiful woman also on the teaching staff. Clark does battle with Evelyn Doyle (Louise Fletcher), the school's militaristic principal, in an effort to raise standards for the school's star straight-C students, and he finds that he's getting through to one of the school's toughest students, Grig (Mekhi Phifer). Screenwriters Pat Proft and David Zucker helped create The Naked Gun and its follow-ups. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Hart Bochner
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 25, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Mar 31, 1998
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

, USA Today
Except for dated homages to Deer Hunter and Rebel Without a Cause, High tries to squeeze guffaws out of the crumbling educational system, not exactly gut-buster material.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Does drive home a few laughs, but not nearly as many as the Zucker name would lead you to believe.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
High School High has one or two genuine laughs with several chuckle-worthy moments peppered throughout, but this is pretty much a lackluster effort.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
One joke movie that's one joke too long
Frank Ochieng, TheWorldJournal.com
The normally riotous Lovitz flunks the test in this farcical school daze. There's nothing remotely academic about Bochner's High School High
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
Strings together hilarious series of gags at the beginning and end, but in the middle High School High makes the mistake of having a story.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

Funny and terrible.
Jason O

I don't care what anyone says, this is a hilarious movie and one of the best of its year. Jon Lovitz: "Oh my God." Tia Carrere: "What is it?" Jon: "You're still a virgin." Tia: "No I'm not!" *cat screeches loudly. One of the… More
I don't care what anyone says, this is a hilarious movie and one of the best of its year. Jon Lovitz: "Oh my God." Tia Carrere: "What is it?" Jon: "You're still a virgin." Tia: "No I'm not!" *cat screeches loudly. One of the funniest parts of a movie, ever.
Anthony L

Not in the least bit funny.
Coxxie M

yea i dont want to insult John Lovits because i like him, so i just wont say anyhting about Highscool high
Michael S

I don't care what anyone says. I loved this movie when I was 12, and I still think it's funny as hell.
danny d

stupid but had some funny parts, like the rhine stone cowboy
Joseph E

pretty good, but had some loose scenes. besides that it was special!
Naughtia N

I wanted to see this movie because Jon Lovitz is on the cast list and because this movie was made by the same people who made Airplane. I thought this movie was much fun and Jon Lovitz is entertaining as always.
Leo L

Hilarious!