Lean on Me (1988)

Principal 'Crazy' Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) will do whatever it takes to educate young minds. When charged with reforming Eastside High School, Clark is determined to change test scores and prevent state takeover of his beloved high school. Facing down hoodlums, graffiti-covered hallways, decaying minds and uncaring teachers, Clark takes extreme measures to succeed. Expelling gangsters and teachers alike, Clark takes the moral high ground and unites the students. Based on a true story, Lean on Me is the story of a man who will do anything to give kids a chance.

Styles were so outlandish 20 years ago, it's comical and almost distracting. No, it's distracting. Pegged acid washed jeans, huge earrings, those jumpsuits and teased hair... Obviously, Lean on Me hasn't aged well, but the uplifting message lives on. Morgan Freeman stands along in a virtual no name cast. As Clark, Freeman is a powerful character, commanding respect and ultimately the direction of the film.

Lean on Me contains solid, if melodramatic, story-telling. Director rightly focuses on Clark, despite potential for arresting subplots. The ending is swift and altogether too {unrealistically} resolved.

Much like the song, Lean on Me isn't awesome--it's not bad either. As I see it, spend your time on the better known 80s fare.