If you’re looking for an insightful film with complex characters and sophisticated storylines, look elsewhere. If you’re browsing theater showtimes just looking for a laugh, “Night School” might just be the film for you.
Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart make an excellent comedic duo with Hart’s naturally goofy, talk-too-much humor getting constantly shut down by Haddish’s assertive, “say it like it is” attitude. Their respective humors blend well together, and their comedic banter doesn’t feel forced.
Teddy Walker (Kevin Hart) is a high school dropout and formerly successful barbecue pit salesman. In search of a new job, Teddy discovers that he must go back to night school, taught by Mrs. Carrie (Tiffany Haddish), to earn his GED and officially become a high school graduate.
In night school, Teddy forms some unlikely friendships in his night school class, including a stay-at-home mother, an ex-restaurant waiter Teddy got fired, a punk girl trying to stay out of juvie and a convict attending the class via Skype. This odd assortment of characters from various backgrounds develops a comedic chemistry that flows perfectly and gives audiences the typical rag-tag group of underdogs.
While trying to earn his GED, Teddy also has to deal with the high school principal and his geeky high school nemesis, Stewart (Taran Killam). Stewart has an unrealistic, 17-year-long vendetta against Teddy, which creates another conflict for the film.
Teddy has to realize that he can no longer hustle his way into getting what he wants in life. He must now work hard and study harder to get a high enough grade to pass the GED. He learns persistence, determination, and most importantly, that he is not dumb.
Haddish’s jokes were well-delivered and perfectly timed, carrying the film. Her natural personality and ability to interpret a scene shine through in her performance, but her character could have been given more complexity and background. Haddish does the most with what she’s given and enhances her role with some killer dance moves at the high school prom.
What was initially thought to be a purely goofy, comedic film, actually had some good messages throughout the plot. Teddy discovers in his night school class that he has dyslexia, dyscalculia and a couple of other learning disabilities. The film focuses on giving people like Teddy second chances and shows how school systems should be able to cater to students with learning differences.
There were a few unnecessary scenes and plot points thrown into the film for comedic purposes that could have been left out, but then again, what is a cheesy comedy film without dramatic falls, exaggerated injuries and projectile vomiting?
The culmination was predictable as most of these types of films are. A rushed and anticlimactic ending left audiences invested in Teddy’s journey and success wanting more.