Rating: R
Genre:
Drama
Release Date: 07/03/2001
SubTitles: English/French/Espanol/KO/TH
Dubbed: English/French/Espanol
Sound: DD5.1/DDS
Run Time: 127 Minutes
Flags: Adult Situations, Not For Children
Distributor/Studio: Columbia TriStar
This drama examines the personal, political, and racial dilemmas facing a group of college freshmen as they begin their first semester at Columbus University. Malik (
Omar Epps) is an African-American student attending on a track scholarship; academics are not his strong suit, and he goes in thinking that his athletic abilities will earn him a free ride through college. Fudge (
Ice Cube), a "professional student" who has been at Columbus for six years so far, becomes friendly with Malik and challenges his views about race and politics in America, while Professor Phipps (
Laurence Fishburne), a black man who teaches political science, firmly tells Malik that he will not be graded on a different standard either because of his race or his ability to run quickly. With Deja (
Tyra Banks), Malik finds a girlfriend, a tutor, and a training partner all rolled into one. Meanwhile, Kristen (
Kristy Swanson), a somewhat naive young woman from California, meets a boy named Billy (
Jay R. Ferguson) after both have had too much to drink at a beer blast; Kristen soon becomes a victim of date rape and becomes involved with a campus feminist group to deal with the painful experience. While working with the women's group, Kristen gets to know Taryn (
Jennifer Connelly), a strong but understanding woman who is also a lesbian, and she finds herself becoming attracted to her. And Remy (
Michael Rappaport) is a confused young man from the Midwest who feels lost in the multi-cultural atmosphere of Columbus. He is approached by Scott (
Cole Hauser), a member of a group of racist skinheads, who believe that Remy is a perfect candidate to help carry out his group's violent goals. Keep an eye peeled for
Gwyneth Paltrow, who has a bit part as a student; rap stars
Busta Rhymes,
D-Knowledge and
Mista Grimm also appear in supporting roles.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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