All movies187

Rated:

R

Running time:

1:57 minutes

Release date:

May 10, 1998

Capsule review:

Here is a ``Blackboard Jungle'' for the 1990s. Here is the flip side of such well-meaning attempts to capture the atmosphere of urban high school as ``Dangerous Minds'' and ``Stand and Deliver.'' Directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Samuel L. Jackson, ``187'' -- the police code for homicide -- tells the story of an idealistic science teacher (Jackson) who loses not only his idealism but, ultimately, his humanity. Not for the timid, nor for those who prefer a less-fatalistic view of public education, ``187'' is bound to arouse controversy. Even so, and despite the fact that it has a few flaws, ``187'' is a riveting exercise in filmmaking. Jackson proves, once again, that he is among the elite of Hollywood actors. As for Reynolds, when did Mr. ``Waterworld'' learn to direct this well?