“Underclassman” (Miramax)
The only thing believable about Nick Cannon’s new film “Underclassman” is that he could actually be a senior in high school. He does look that young. All the rest about him being an undercover cop, etc., well that is “Twilight Zone” stuff. Plus they got the title wrong. An “underclassman” is not a Senior.
In the film Cannon plays Tracy Stokes, a second-generation cop. He is also a high school dropout who opted for a GED. After he has screwed up his assignment as a policeman one time too many he gets the chance to go undercover at a posh private high school where he will not only spy for the police but also work on his actual degree. His mission is to gather information about the murder of a student at the school.
Once on campus Tracy makes the acquaintance of Rob Donovan (Shawn Ashmore) one of the more popular kids, and one who knew the dead student. He also puts the moves on his Spanish teacher (Roselyn Sanchez) who might just have a Mary Kay Letourneau complex.
Tracey messes up again but his boss (Cheech Marin) is always ready to give him one more chance. And of course he solves the crime and saves the day – and gets the beautiful teacher too. Yeah, this is a believable film.
Cannon has some skills as an actor. He showed that in “Drumline.” But in this movie he seems to be coasting on his charm rather than his acting skills. Of course he doesn’t get much help from Marin, Sanchez or Ashmore.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
“Underclassman” is one of the Miramax movies that is being foisted on the public now that the Weinsteins and Disney have parted company. If this was the caliber of product being made no wonder the “Mouse” roared “Get out!”
I scored “Underclassman” a flunked 4 out of 10.
