School's Out!

Ah, Degrassi...the name that puts a flutter of excitement into the hearts of teenage girls and boys around the world. For those without an inkling about the world of Degrassi, let me explain: this Canadian filmed series has followed a group of kids from grade school in The Kids of Degrassi Street (25 episodes), through Degrassi Junior High (42 episodes) and Degrassi High (28 episodes), culminating in School's Out!, the first feature length movie. Starting off during graduation and moving on to the wild graduation party afterward, the film brings viewers up to date on the current situations of the Degrassi crew. Everyone's so excited and happy, the class valedictorian laughingly proclaims, "My future's so bright, I've got to wear shades!" Some kids are going off to university, some are getting married, and others, such as resident goof-off Joey Jeremiah (whom much of the story revolves around), have to go back to high school for another year. The conflicts, love-triangles, job problems, drug and alcohol use, and friendships depicted here are very true to life. Having just graduated from high school myself, I can relate to many of the trials and triumphs of the Degrassi kids, all played by actors and actresses who aren't overtly made-up or stunningly beautiful (nor do they mimic the prime time cute speeches of Dawson's Creek and like shows). School's Out! offers a wonderful example of why the Degrassi series has been so well-received over the years by audiences and critics alike: in a word (or two)--it's real. Highly recommended. Aud: H, P. (J. Williams)