Higher Learning

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Higher Learning ★★ 1994 (R)

Racism, idealism, and the struggle for identity converge in this stylistically shot but rarely enlightening commentary on campus life and strife, focusing on three very different freshmen at fictional Columbus University—a bright track star (Ebbs) who questions the exploitation of black student athletes; a sheltered, sexually confused beauty from the ‘burbs (Swanson); and a goony, paranoid loner who falls in with a group of skinheads (Rapaport). Singleton's honorable intention—to make a movie that makes a difference—is marred by cardboard supporting characters, a penchant for in-your-face irony, and a predictable, simplistic conclusion. 127m/C VHS, DVD . Omar Epps, Kristy Swanson, Michael Rapaport, Laurence Fishburne, Jennifer Connelly, Ice Cube, Tyra Banks, Jason Wiles, Cole Hauser, Regina King, Colleen (Ann) Fitzpatrick; D: John Singleton; W: John Singleton; C: Peter Lyons Collister.