Cooley High Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two high schoolers accidentally steal a car, one dies, and the other becomes a TV writer, proving crime doesn’t pay…unless you can write about it.

🍿 Cooley High: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Preach and Cochise

Set in 1964 Chicago, the film centers on LeRoy “Preach” Jackson, an aspiring writer, and Richard “Cochise” Morris, a talented basketball player. The two best friends navigate their senior year at Cooley High, filled with mischief and dreams of the future. They frequently skip class, hang out at Martha’s diner, and chase after girls, embodying the carefree spirit of youth.

Adventures and Misadventures

Preach and Cochise, along with their friends Pooter, Willie, and Tyrone, find themselves in a series of comical situations. They ditch school for the zoo, scam prostitutes with a fake badge, and crash a party. These escapades highlight their bond and the vibrant, yet challenging, environment of Cabrini-Green.

The Stolen Cadillac

A turning point occurs when Preach and Cochise agree to cruise around with Stone and Robert, unknowingly getting into a stolen Cadillac. A police chase ensues, leading to a wild escape and an accidental collision. This incident results in their arrest and sets in motion a tragic chain of events.

Betrayal and Consequences

After being released thanks to their teacher Mr. Mason, Stone and Robert wrongly believe Preach and Cochise implicated them. This leads to animosity and ultimately, violence. Meanwhile, Preach and Cochise have a falling out due to a misunderstanding involving Brenda and Sandra, adding to the tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Preach (Glynn Turman): An aspiring playwright and poet, Preach is a smart but often mischievous high school senior.
• Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs): Cochise is a talented basketball player with a promising future, known for his charisma and loyalty.
• Brenda (Cynthia Davis): Brenda is an intelligent and refined young woman who captures Preach’s romantic interest.
• Stone (Sherman Smith): Stone is a petty criminal whose actions lead to tragic consequences for the main characters.
• Robert (Norman Gibson): Robert is Stone’s partner in crime, contributing to the escalating conflict in the film.
• Mr. Mason (Garrett Morris): Mr. Mason is a well-meaning teacher who tries to guide and support Preach and Cochise.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Preach: “We were friends, a long time ago. Laughin, rappin, chasin girls, obeying no laws, except the one of caring.” – Preach reflects on his friendship with Cochise in the film’s closing narration, highlighting their carefree youth.
• Preach: “Basketball days and high nights, no tomorrows, unable to remember yesterday.” – Continuing his nostalgic narration, Preach captures the ephemeral nature of their youthful experiences.
• Preach: “We live for today…” – Preach concludes his reflection, summarizing their approach to life in the moment.
• Mr. Mason: “I’m through saving you.” – Mr. Mason expresses his frustration and disappointment to Preach after discovering him gambling in the bathroom, signifying a turning point.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $750,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $13,000,000

💥 Cooley High Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Cooley High! It felt like hanging out with real people, not just characters in a movie. The scene where they’re at the zoo and Pooter gets messed up by the gorilla had me laughing so hard I cried. And the ending? Heartbreaking! It really hit me hard and made me think about how fragile life can be. The music made me feel like I was right there with them, cruising around Chicago. It’s a must-see!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in African-American cinema”
  • “Lovers of Motown music and 1960s culture”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a blend of humor and drama”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Thematic elements including death of a major character”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Cooley High is a poignant and funny exploration of adolescence in Chicago. The film beautifully captures the spirit of youth with its energy and authentic portrayal of friendship. While the ending is tragic, the film leaves a lasting impression of hope and resilience.
• Slash Film: “This film’s charm lies in its honest depiction of teenage life, filled with both humor and heartache. The vibrant Motown soundtrack and charismatic performances make it a truly memorable coming-of-age story.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the raw, authentic portrayal of friendship and the bittersweet blend of comedy and tragedy.: The film’s ability to evoke strong emotions and resonate with viewers of all backgrounds is universally praised.

Overall Consensus: Cooley High is a beloved coming-of-age story praised for its authenticity, humor, and heartwrenching moments. It’s considered a classic of Black cinema and continues to resonate with audiences today.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Garrett Morris, who played Mr. Mason, was a real-life schoolteacher at the time. The producers initially thought he looked too young for the role.”
• “The film was shot on location in the Cabrini-Green public housing projects on Chicago’s Near North Side, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.”
• “Cooley High served as the inspiration for the 1970s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”, though the show took a more comedic approach to the material.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cooley High?

As a classic film, Cooley High is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your preferred streaming service for rental or purchase options to enjoy this coming-of-age story. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cooley High, you might like these similar films:

• American Graffiti (1973): A coming-of-age story set in 1962, exploring the last night of summer for a group of high school graduates, with a similar nostalgic feel and focus on friendship.
• Boyz n the Hood (1991): A coming-of-age story set in South Central Los Angeles, addressing themes of friendship, violence, and the challenges faced by young black men.
• The Wood (1999): A nostalgic look back at adolescence and friendship among young black men in Inglewood, California, blending humor and drama.
• Dope (2015): A modern coming-of-age story set in Inglewood, California, focusing on a group of high school friends navigating life, academics, and unexpected situations.

🛒 Cooley High Related Products

• Cooley High (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the sounds of Cooley High with the original soundtrack, featuring classic Motown hits by The Supremes, The Temptations, and more. A must-have for any fan of the film.
• Cooley High Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. A great way to showcase your appreciation for this cult classic.
• Cooley High – The Criterion Collection: Blu-ray edition with restored film and extras.
• “Cooley High” Inspired Graphic T-Shirt: A vintage-style graphic tee featuring iconic imagery from the movie Cooley High. Comfortable and stylish, great for casual wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cooley High features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” – performed by G.C. Cameron
• “Baby Love” – performed by The Supremes
• “Ooh Baby Baby” – performed by The Miracles
• “My Girl” – performed by The Temptations
• “Dancing In The Streets” – performed by Martha And The Vandellas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Remember Brenda From Cooley High This is How She Looks Now

Ever wonder what happened to Brenda from Cooley High? This video gives you a glimpse into the actress’s life now. It’s pretty cool to see where some of the cast ended up!

‘Ma Rainey’ Star Glynn Turman Bares His Soul on Chadwick Boseman, ‘Cooley High’ + Life Lessons

This interview with Glynn Turman is awesome! He talks about Cooley High, his career, and even shares some life lessons. It’s super insightful and worth a watch.

Garrett Morris on Becoming One of the Original “SNL” Cast Members After “Cooley High” (Part 3)

Did you know Cooley High played a role in Garrett Morris joining SNL? It’s amazing how one movie can change someone’s career path. Check out his story!

‘Cooley High’ | Oscar Winner Angela Bassett on the First Movie That Made Her Feel Seen

Angela Bassett shares what movie made her feel seen! Interestingly enough she speaks on Cooley High.

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