54
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Film ThreatBrad LaidmanFilm ThreatBrad LaidmanHigher Learning is John Singleton's interracial state of today's campuses version of School Daze minus the musical numbers. Surprisingly, it's just as much a gang movie if not more than Boyz 'n the Hood.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertSingleton's film is interesting for a lot of reasons, but especially because he stands outside this campus system and looks at it with a detached eye.
- 75Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversHigher Learning is seriously intended and seriously flawed. Singleton tends to shout his objectives. But in an era of cop-out escapism, it is gratifying to find a filmmaker who is spoiling to be heard.
- 75San Francisco ExaminerSan Francisco ExaminerStill, Singleton's willingness to take risks makes this a worthy, thoughtful film. Especially noteworthy: His sensitive handling of a love triangle between Kristen and her boyfriend and Kristen and another woman.
- 63ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliWhen this movie is quiet and introspective, it speaks with a clear voice. That insight gets muddled, however, the more forceful Singleton becomes.
- 60The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinHigher Learning culminates in facile violence instead of the assurance that this film maker, in trying to explain forces that oppress his characters, has really done his homework.
- 60Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranLos Angeles TimesKenneth TuranDespite a weakness for trying to tie things up with melodramatic violence, Singleton remains a fluid filmmaker who works well with actors. He may not be there yet, but he is on the road.
- 50Washington PostWashington PostFor every persuasive insight John Singleton brings to Higher Learning, his thoughtful but flawed movie about multiculturalism and racism, he throws in something equally disappointing.
- 40Austin ChronicleAustin ChronicleHigher Learning is a disappointment. What might have been director Singleton's (Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice) most ambitious and potentially intriguing work, wound up as his most shallow and scattershot.
- 25San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleHigher Learning says nothing new or challenging and is too naive to inspire controversy.