Night School 2018
Directed by
Malcolm D. Lee
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
In 2001, high school student Teddy Walker, portrayed by Kevin Hart, faces an overwhelming challenge when he decides to drop out of school due to his inability to focus during a pivotal exam, a moment marked by his history as a school bully and his arrogant demeanor. Fast forward to 2018, and Teddy finds himself thriving as a barbecue grill salesman, dating the affluent Lisa, played by Megalyn Echikunwoke. Although he appears to have it all figured out, Teddy relies on a deceptive financial strategy to maintain an illusion of success.
Teddy’s life takes a disastrous turn just when he learns he is set to take over the store upon the retirement of the current manager. As he prepares to propose to Lisa in the shop, an accident involving a champagne cork and a gas tank leads to an explosive setback, resulting in Teddy losing his job as the manager absconds with the insurance money from the incident. Now unemployed, he gets some advice from his best friend Marvin, played by Ben Schwartz, who suggests that Teddy could work at his financial investment firm—if only he earned a GED.
Determined to secure the necessary qualification, Teddy heads back to his former high school with a plan to charm the new principal, Stewart, played by Taran Killam. His plan quickly unravels upon discovering that Stewart is none other than the person he once bullied. Nevertheless, Teddy manages to enroll in night school taught by the unconventional Carrie, portrayed by Tiffany Haddish, but continues to grapple with his old issues of concentration.
Seeking to impress Lisa, Teddy tells her he’s already landed a job with Marvin while secretly working at a nearby fast-food joint to make ends meet. In class, he meets a diverse group of classmates: Theresa, a diligent single mother aiming for her GED; Mila, a sardonic hipster from a privileged background; Mackenzie and Jaylen, who all have their struggles. As the class faces their challenges, Teddy proposes a risky plan to steal test answers, which ends in disaster when Carrie finds out, resulting in his expulsion.
In a heartfelt moment, when Teddy returns to appeal to Carrie, she agrees to give him another chance, provided he gets tested for learning disabilities. This leads to the discovery that he suffers from dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other processing issues. Carrie’s innovative teaching methods help Teddy to adapt, and he gradually builds genuine friendships with his classmates.
As the final class coincides with the school’s senior prom, Teddy encourages his peers to attend. However, he is blindsided when Lisa shows up with Stewart, believing she is there for corporate sponsorship, only to discover Teddy’s lies. Heartbroken, Lisa breaks up with him, causing Teddy to lose hope in his pursuit of a GED. But soon after, Carrie and Stewart, the latter apologizing for his vendetta, visit Teddy and persuade him to persist.
Despite not passing the test initially, Teddy’s resilience shines through as he continues to attempt the exam. At graduation, he delivers an inspiring speech about the power of second chances, culminating in a heartfelt reunion with Lisa, who agrees to a date on the condition that she pays this time around.
Timeline
Teddy Drops Out of School
In 2001, Teddy Walker, a high school student, faces significant challenges during a pivotal exam. Overwhelmed by his inability to focus, he makes the crucial decision to drop out of school, influenced by his past as a school bully and his arrogant personality.
Teddy's New Life
Fast forward to 2018, Teddy is now a successful barbecue grill salesman and is dating a wealthy woman named Lisa. Despite his apparent success, he struggles to maintain the facade with a dubious financial strategy.
Accident Leads to Job Loss
Teddy's life takes a turn for the worse when an accident involving a champagne cork and a gas tank leads to an explosive incident at the store. This unfortunate event results in Teddy losing his job as the current manager flees with the insurance money.
Friend's Advice and Goal
Now unemployed, Teddy receives advice from his best friend Marvin, who suggests he could work at his investment firm if he earns a GED. Motivated to achieve this goal, Teddy decides it's time to return to school.
Back to High School
Determined to charm the new principal Stewart, Teddy enrolls in night school. However, he is knocked off his feet when he realizes Stewart is the same person he used to bully in school, complicating his intentions.
Night School with Carrie
Teddy enrolls in night classes taught by the creative and unconventional teacher Carrie. He struggles to focus in class, grappling with the same issues that plagued him during his high school days.
Struggling to Impress
In an attempt to impress Lisa, Teddy lies about having a job with Marvin while secretly working at a fast-food restaurant to make ends meet. His deceit only complicates his already challenging situation.
Meeting Classmates
During night school, Teddy gets to know his classmates, including Theresa, a determined single mother, and Mila, a sarcastic hipster. Each student has their own struggles, creating a supportive environment despite the challenges they face.
The Cheating Plan
Teddy hatches a risky plan to steal test answers to help him pass. Unfortunately, this plan backfires spectacularly when Carrie discovers their scheme, leading to Teddy’s expulsion from class.
Carrie's Redemption Offer
After being expelled, Teddy seeks a second chance with Carrie, who agrees to give him another opportunity if he can get tested for learning disabilities. This moment is pivotal as Teddy learns he has dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other processing issues.
Building Friendships
With Carrie's innovative teaching methods, Teddy begins to adapt to his learning challenges. He gradually builds genuine connections with his classmates, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Prom Night and Heartbreak
As the final class coincides with prom night, Teddy encourages everyone to attend. However, he experiences heartbreak when Lisa arrives with Stewart, uncovering the truth behind his lies, leading to their breakup.
Encouragement from Old Foes
Despite the heartache, Teddy receives encouragement from Carrie and Stewart, who both visit him to inspire him to keep pursuing his GED. This support comes as Stewart also apologizes for his past grievances.
Persistence Towards Graduation
Although Teddy struggles with the test initially, his determination shines through. He repeatedly attempts the exam, demonstrating resilience despite facing setbacks.
Inspiring Graduation Speech
At graduation, Teddy delivers an inspiring speech about second chances and perseverance. The moment culminates in a touching reunion with Lisa, who agrees to go on a date with him, with the caveat that she will pay this time.
Characters
Teddy Walker
Teddy is a charismatic but flawed character, struggling with his past as a school bully and his present challenges. His journey from a deceptive BBQ salesman to a determined student seeking a GED showcases growth and resilience. With a strong desire to impress Lisa, he grapples with self-doubt and ultimately learns the importance of honesty.
Carrie
Carrie is an unconventional teacher who brings innovative methods to a classroom made up of diverse students. Initially tough on Teddy, she becomes a key figure in helping him understand his learning disabilities. Carrie's dedication to her students and belief in their potential highlight her nurturing side, ultimately impacting Teddy's success.
Lisa
Lisa is a wealthy and ambitious woman who initially represents Teddy's aspirations for a better life. Her relationship with Teddy reveals the challenges of expectations and trust. Although she breaks up with him upon discovering his lies, Lisa's character also embodies the chance for reconciliation, showing that love can evolve.
Marvin
Marvin serves as Teddy's best friend and voice of reason, suggesting that Teddy pursue his GED. His supportive nature contrasts with Teddy's earlier arrogance, providing a grounding influence. Marvin represents loyalty and serves as a catalyst for Teddy's growth by encouraging him to confront his past and face new challenges.
Setting
Time period
2001, 2018
The story unfolds across two key years: 2001, when Teddy faces academic obstacles that lead him to drop out, and 2018, when he attempts to reclaim his future through education. This contrast highlights the evolution of Teddy's circumstances, underscoring themes of second chances and maturity over time.
Location
High School, Barbecue Grill Store
The movie takes place primarily in Teddy's former high school and a barbecue grill store where he aspired to become manager. The high school setting is pivotal as it reflects Teddy's past challenges and the new opportunity for growth. The store symbolizes his initial aspirations and the deceptive lifestyle he leads.
Themes
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Education
Education serves as a central theme, illustrating the journey of Teddy as he seeks to earn his GED. The narrative emphasizes the importance of learning not just in a traditional sense but also in understanding oneself. Teddy’s experiences in night school reveal transformative moments that redefine his identity and aspirations.
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Broken Relationships
The film explores the theme of broken relationships, particularly through Teddy's connection with Lisa. His deceit regarding his job leads to heartbreak, revealing how trust is vital in both personal and professional relationships. The journey of reconciliation and understanding is crucial for Teddy's character development.
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Second Chances
Second chances are a recurring theme, particularly in Teddy's quest for redemption after his past mistakes as a bully and a failing student. The support he receives from Carrie and his classmates underscores the belief that it's never too late to change and pursue one's dreams.
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