I watched this for the first time since it was originally aired at the time it was done. Since that time, I have watched all of the Degrassi shows to the present. Wisely, the writer chose not to include every student but focus on core characters. This made the film sharper, with a lot more cohesion to the plot. The characters in Degrassi always seemed real and this film highlights that. The acting is very good, the actors at times are seemingly ad-libbing their lines. It was a groundbreaking film also, apparently the first time an expletive was used on Canadian television. Think about it: What was the U.S. version of Degrassi? Saved By The Bell! In Degrassi, the characters made mistakes and lived with them. This film highlights the time after high school. It does it admirably. I have nothing but praise for this production. They could have made it a fairytale film, marrying a few couples off and watching as everyone else prospers. They chose to depict real life. They did a great job.
23 Reviews
Fantastic ending to the series
bedward4 November 2007
Every fan of the original show MUST see this. Your Degrassi experience is not complete without it.
Dark? Yes. But for a show showing a realistic take on pre-teens and teens and growing up this is a great way to end the original series. Some happy endings and some jaw-dropping tragic moments. Pretty much everyone who was on the show the last few years is in this at some point. It doesn't go the pat happy ending that most shows would have pulled. They let some characters really screw-up. I loved that it went this far.
It's worth it for that classic Caitlin line to Joey at the climax. Fantastic, envelop pushing material.
Dark? Yes. But for a show showing a realistic take on pre-teens and teens and growing up this is a great way to end the original series. Some happy endings and some jaw-dropping tragic moments. Pretty much everyone who was on the show the last few years is in this at some point. It doesn't go the pat happy ending that most shows would have pulled. They let some characters really screw-up. I loved that it went this far.
It's worth it for that classic Caitlin line to Joey at the climax. Fantastic, envelop pushing material.
teen shenanigans accurately portrayed
anb-andrea5 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This was a HOT movie at the time...depicting all the shenanigans we teens went through to some degree. It has been criticized for being 'minor-key', as in 'dark and depressing', but I give it a thumbs up for reality, despite some discontinuities between it and the show. I remember how amazed I was when Tessa let her libido get the best of her--she was always depicted as an innocent,'nobody' on the series...and here she was all hot and bothered for Joey, despite Caitin's engagement to him...and despite knowing about Spike's teen pregnancy! This movie is definitely a lot darker than the series, and no wonder after what the students have been through seeing their beloved school go up in flames at the end of the series. It was sad indeed, but perhaps darkness attracts darkness. Indeed, I consider this a brave movie to have made for 1992, when in reality it took nearly 10 years more for U.S. television to introduce this style/mood of teen story to the mainstream! Imagine that---Canadian TV ahead of the U.S. industry! Before I go too far, I will say "School's Out" was a public presentation, not a private station broadcast. Even more impressive! Good job!
A brief overview of a realistic teenage film.
sizzlepepper9 February 2004
Degrassi School's Out is the wonderful climactic end to the Degrassi series, which was centered around a bunch of regular teenagers going to Degrassi
High School. School's Out is chock-full of drama and heartache, not to mention sex and alcohol. It's actually a really realistic representation of most teens' summers right after graduating from high school. It's also refreshingly natural, everyone looks the age they are supposed to be, and every female isn't some
beauty queen poster girl for breast implants. It's actually altogether quite a poignant film, particularly if you've seen the show that preceded it. It makes you really want to know what happens after it ends. Great movie.
High School. School's Out is chock-full of drama and heartache, not to mention sex and alcohol. It's actually a really realistic representation of most teens' summers right after graduating from high school. It's also refreshingly natural, everyone looks the age they are supposed to be, and every female isn't some
beauty queen poster girl for breast implants. It's actually altogether quite a poignant film, particularly if you've seen the show that preceded it. It makes you really want to know what happens after it ends. Great movie.
Brilliant and powerful!!!
Lonesomewolf21 July 2006
The first time I ever watched this movie was back in 1994 when I was living in a small town called Gildford located in the northern part of Montana. I watched the whole movie with one of my nephews and enjoyed it all the way through but I expected more after it came to its ending. I used to watch reruns of the Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High episodes everyday when I got home from school while living in Gildford and I always loved and cherished those shows because of how enjoyable and true to life they were. I now own the complete series of Degrassi Junior High on DVD and I just received a brand new copy of the School's Out movie on VHS and after watching it once again after almost twelve years, it really is much better the second time around. It didn't exactly have the happiest of endings but that's what made the story so believably realistic. I absolutely love this movie and consider it a wonderful conclusion to the Degrassi Old School storyline.
I rest my case.
~Mr. Make Believe
I rest my case.
~Mr. Make Believe
Once again, it tackles all the tough issues!
OilBoy23 May 2000
When the original Degrassi series were airing they were known to tackle teen issues that no one else dared. They didn't just talk about drug abuse they had people suffer the consequences. In "School's Out" the gang from Degrassi once again go through some tough times.
Representing the end of the Degrassi shows, this one does clue up on a nice note (someone gets married), however, everything isn't "fairy tale-like" for everyone. If you want realism, you'll love this movie. If you want something that's feel good don't bother.
Representing the end of the Degrassi shows, this one does clue up on a nice note (someone gets married), however, everything isn't "fairy tale-like" for everyone. If you want realism, you'll love this movie. If you want something that's feel good don't bother.
Thank you Kevin Smith
AndytheDirector14 May 2003
I picked this video up at the Library because I have heard of it through the Kevin Smith movies (he always refers to the show in his movies). Though I never have seen any of the show, I figured, what the hell. I have to say, this is a good video. I am very interested in seeing more of the show.
The plot is this: All the kids graduate and go through one crazy last summer. Pregnancy, drunk driving, infidelity, and teenage marriage are all in the mix, along with some awful 90's music. All and all, a very neat way to show what happens when you grow up.
The plot is this: All the kids graduate and go through one crazy last summer. Pregnancy, drunk driving, infidelity, and teenage marriage are all in the mix, along with some awful 90's music. All and all, a very neat way to show what happens when you grow up.
Tessa Campanelli? You've Been F***ing Tessa Campanelli?
yo-saff-brig16 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Today I watched School's Out. It is the 1991, surprisingly graphic (containing tons of sex, nudity, language and all on public TV), TV movie made to bring closure to the series Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High. This has to be one of the most depressing films I have ever seen. I'm talking The Empire Strikes Back depressing! It follows the students of Degrassi High in their first summer after graduation. Joey decides to propose to Caitlin on the anniversary of their first date, a commitment she isn't sure she's willing to make. After getting the brush off, Joey gets driven into the arms of a lonely Junior named Tessa. Soon after Joey and Tessa have sex Caitlin decides to rethink Joey's proposal. Not knowing what to do he decides to play both fields. Joey's friends Snake finds this infuriating and becomes distant with Joey.
Meanwhile, Wheels has procured a shoddy car that he plans to fix up and go traveling with across Canada. Snake is concerned for Wheels because he has picked up a nasty new habit, drinking. Just four years prior Wheels' parents were killed by a drunk driver and Snake is afraid Wheels just hasn't gotten over it.
Spike, having further problems with her daughter Emma, is stuck working non-stop. When her co-worker Tessa tells her she is pregnant with Joey's child, Spike advises her to go to a Woman's Clinic. Unable to tell Joey the news Tessa decides to abort the child and dump Joey.
The film culminates with a big end of summer party where tensions come to a head. Wheels and Snake have a row and nearly begin to throw fists when Lucy interjects and asks a drunk Wheels to take her out for fries. Later, Snake accidentally tells Caitlin that Joey and Tessa have been sleeping together all summer. Then comes the most famous scene in Degrassi history:
Snake: Let's recap the Jeremiah summer, shall we? See what a swell and decent human being you've been! Joey: I don't have to listen to this! Snake: No, you're gonna listen to me!
(Joey's fiancé Caitlin enters the room unseen by Snake) Snake: Joey Jeremiah spends the summer dating Caitlin... Joey: SHUT UP! Snake: ...and f***ing Tessa! Oh, what ethics. What a hero you've been! Let's have a big hand, shall we? Big round of applause, eh?
(Snake stops suddenly when he sees Caitlin. He storms out.) Joey: (trying to laugh it off) Snake's got a weird sense of humor. Caitlin: Tessa Campanelli? YOU WERE F***ING TESSA CAMPANELLI!
After we see Caitlin dump Joey we get a slam cut to a horrible car accident. Lucy is being taken away by ambulance in a stretcher. Police wrap up the dead, bloody body of a two year old child. Wheels, seemingly unscathed, is taken away in handcuffs. Joey rushes to see him in prison and is told that Wheels is facing 10 years for the death of the child. He tells Joey he's pleading guilty. Joey informs Wheels that Lucy is partially blinded, from glass to the eyes presumably, and that she is probably going to be paralyzed for life.
The film wraps up months later at the wedding of Alexa and Simon. It is here Joey and Snake come to terms in a moving Chasing Amy-like moment. Then Caitlin arrives. Joey and Caitlin talk about their long history and decides to call a truce and be "just friends" again. The film closes with a beautiful dance between the two ill-fated lovers.
For how depressing and tragic the film is, it feels right somehow. It captures the feel of the show and the long lasting relationships between the characters and cast perfectly. It also, more importantly, creates a beautiful sense of closure that brings a tear to one's eye. I really rather enjoyed the film and respect it for its raw ability to show teen life in the transition from high school to college.
This film was followed up 10 years later by Degrassi The Next Generation following Spike's daughter Emma and having many guest appearances by former Degrassi folk such as: Spike, Joey, Caitlin, Snake, Mr. Radditch, Liz, Shane, Lucy, Wheels, and Heather & Erica.
Meanwhile, Wheels has procured a shoddy car that he plans to fix up and go traveling with across Canada. Snake is concerned for Wheels because he has picked up a nasty new habit, drinking. Just four years prior Wheels' parents were killed by a drunk driver and Snake is afraid Wheels just hasn't gotten over it.
Spike, having further problems with her daughter Emma, is stuck working non-stop. When her co-worker Tessa tells her she is pregnant with Joey's child, Spike advises her to go to a Woman's Clinic. Unable to tell Joey the news Tessa decides to abort the child and dump Joey.
The film culminates with a big end of summer party where tensions come to a head. Wheels and Snake have a row and nearly begin to throw fists when Lucy interjects and asks a drunk Wheels to take her out for fries. Later, Snake accidentally tells Caitlin that Joey and Tessa have been sleeping together all summer. Then comes the most famous scene in Degrassi history:
Snake: Let's recap the Jeremiah summer, shall we? See what a swell and decent human being you've been! Joey: I don't have to listen to this! Snake: No, you're gonna listen to me!
(Joey's fiancé Caitlin enters the room unseen by Snake) Snake: Joey Jeremiah spends the summer dating Caitlin... Joey: SHUT UP! Snake: ...and f***ing Tessa! Oh, what ethics. What a hero you've been! Let's have a big hand, shall we? Big round of applause, eh?
(Snake stops suddenly when he sees Caitlin. He storms out.) Joey: (trying to laugh it off) Snake's got a weird sense of humor. Caitlin: Tessa Campanelli? YOU WERE F***ING TESSA CAMPANELLI!
After we see Caitlin dump Joey we get a slam cut to a horrible car accident. Lucy is being taken away by ambulance in a stretcher. Police wrap up the dead, bloody body of a two year old child. Wheels, seemingly unscathed, is taken away in handcuffs. Joey rushes to see him in prison and is told that Wheels is facing 10 years for the death of the child. He tells Joey he's pleading guilty. Joey informs Wheels that Lucy is partially blinded, from glass to the eyes presumably, and that she is probably going to be paralyzed for life.
The film wraps up months later at the wedding of Alexa and Simon. It is here Joey and Snake come to terms in a moving Chasing Amy-like moment. Then Caitlin arrives. Joey and Caitlin talk about their long history and decides to call a truce and be "just friends" again. The film closes with a beautiful dance between the two ill-fated lovers.
For how depressing and tragic the film is, it feels right somehow. It captures the feel of the show and the long lasting relationships between the characters and cast perfectly. It also, more importantly, creates a beautiful sense of closure that brings a tear to one's eye. I really rather enjoyed the film and respect it for its raw ability to show teen life in the transition from high school to college.
This film was followed up 10 years later by Degrassi The Next Generation following Spike's daughter Emma and having many guest appearances by former Degrassi folk such as: Spike, Joey, Caitlin, Snake, Mr. Radditch, Liz, Shane, Lucy, Wheels, and Heather & Erica.
Way to Ruin the Memories
LaughingTigerIMDb18 August 2021
I'm the same age as these characters. It was wonderful to take a trip down memory lane and watch the original series Degrassi Junior High & Degrassi High, restarting right at the beginning in Grade 8 along with Joey, Snake, Wheels, and the others. Then capping it off with this film -- the finale. My impression is that the film does NOT reflect the series, and for that reason, I'm disappointed.
The film went into a direction of ticking boxes of all the things that could be upsetting and did so while alienating most of the cast that I expected to see at the end. Whether the casting just couldn't round up most of the actors, or if the actors simply declined the offers, School's Out only focused on the inevitable longing for losing one's virginity, which had me wondering if it simply wasn't a choice for most actors to turn this film down.
The Degrassi High franchise prior to this send off made me laugh and cry. Not everything revolved around love, but when it did we saw different combinations of couples, and sometimes life altering results for the choices they made for sex (ie. HIV and pregnancy/abortion).
This film steered away from all that Degrassi worked on when it came to social dynamics to simply give us a typical look at sex and losing one's virginity between a select few original characters. It was a very basic script, and offers almost no humour and nothing to think about. In fact, there isn't even much that is relatable, or anything we learn from this film -- unlike the beloved series.
What's even more puzzling is how the spotlight was given to the very new and unliked character of Tessa, while giving a character like Spike almost no camera time.
When the door closed on the original Degrassi High series, it would have been nice to see some alignment with it in this final film. I wished for a little bit of humour and some problems to solve. Instead, the film takes us to a darker place filled with infidelity, fighting, alcohol, with life changing consequences stemming from those three themes. Was anything happy in this film? Sure. But the few happy moments were criticized by the characters.
While the cast did their best with the script and remained true to the characters that we loved watching throughout the series, I found myself simply disliking almost everyone in the end mainly because I was expecting so much better from this film.
The film went into a direction of ticking boxes of all the things that could be upsetting and did so while alienating most of the cast that I expected to see at the end. Whether the casting just couldn't round up most of the actors, or if the actors simply declined the offers, School's Out only focused on the inevitable longing for losing one's virginity, which had me wondering if it simply wasn't a choice for most actors to turn this film down.
The Degrassi High franchise prior to this send off made me laugh and cry. Not everything revolved around love, but when it did we saw different combinations of couples, and sometimes life altering results for the choices they made for sex (ie. HIV and pregnancy/abortion).
This film steered away from all that Degrassi worked on when it came to social dynamics to simply give us a typical look at sex and losing one's virginity between a select few original characters. It was a very basic script, and offers almost no humour and nothing to think about. In fact, there isn't even much that is relatable, or anything we learn from this film -- unlike the beloved series.
What's even more puzzling is how the spotlight was given to the very new and unliked character of Tessa, while giving a character like Spike almost no camera time.
When the door closed on the original Degrassi High series, it would have been nice to see some alignment with it in this final film. I wished for a little bit of humour and some problems to solve. Instead, the film takes us to a darker place filled with infidelity, fighting, alcohol, with life changing consequences stemming from those three themes. Was anything happy in this film? Sure. But the few happy moments were criticized by the characters.
While the cast did their best with the script and remained true to the characters that we loved watching throughout the series, I found myself simply disliking almost everyone in the end mainly because I was expecting so much better from this film.
Anti climax
bevo-136782 April 2020
A different league
ThunderKing616 January 2019
Don't expect classrooms, lockers or Mr. Raditch.
This is basically a romantic, drama, soap opera for teenagers. Its only about Joey and Caitlin Relationship.
Its good but it lacks that Degrassi feel even for High School Grads.
Its a must see to cap off an end to a great series. Anything after doesn't really matter.
I'll miss this series because there are none like this. This is where the Degrassi series really ends. It's a series finale.
This is basically a romantic, drama, soap opera for teenagers. Its only about Joey and Caitlin Relationship.
Its good but it lacks that Degrassi feel even for High School Grads.
Its a must see to cap off an end to a great series. Anything after doesn't really matter.
I'll miss this series because there are none like this. This is where the Degrassi series really ends. It's a series finale.
Degrassi Rocks
funky_cherry865 May 2006
When I first watched School's Out I found it to be a great and exciting conclusion to Degrassi High the cast did a fantastic job. It's the summer of 1991 the gang at Degrassi has just graduated and are looking forward to spending one more wild summer together before going off to university.Each character is dealing with a personal matter, Joey (Mastroianni) who wants to lose his virginity has just asked Caitlin (Mistysyn)to marry him. However she isn't ready yet for a commitment or intimacy . Snake (Brogren) is working as a lifeguard and he too wants to not be a virgin before leaving for school. Wheels (Hope) is showing signs of an alcohol problem, while Caitlin is working most of the time local girl Tessa Camponelli (Bourne) is there to support Joey's desire. As the summer comes to an end everyone is dealing with the impending reality that things are changing. Everything comes to a head at Bronco's (Ifill) cottage party when Caitlin discovers the truth about Joey's affair and breaks up with him. Lucy (Granofsky) gets into a terrible car accident in Wheel's car because he was driving drunk. The gang gets together again at the wedding of Alexa (Courakos) & Simon (Carry).8/10
Well done overall but a downer *spoilers*
bezerkerchris19 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
'Schools Out' was the big finale to the original 'DEGRASSI JUNIOR HIGH' and 'DEGRASSI HIGH' series'. The kids graduate and go their ways during the summer. Joey romances both Tessa and Caitlin, Snake works as a lifeguard in hopes of scoring a girlfriend and Wheels tries fixing up an old car and generally drinks a lot.
It seems like they tried to make the overall "Degrassi-verse" a little more mature then the original show to reflect the gang getting older as time passes but unfortunately the movie suffers for it. We have many dramatic elements but unlike the show it just doesn't feel REAL. When you watch the original shows you feel like you're right there with these people experiencing what they're going through, whether it's good, funny or bad. Here you feel like you're watching a typical soap opera with a good deal of heavy-handed BAD.
Also sadly missing are the humorous elements and likable aspects of the characters. Instead we get heavy, seemingly endless amounts of mello-drama (and even a little shock value). Tessa gets pregnant and gets an abortion, Wheels gets into a drunk driving accident that kills a kid and blinds Lucy. And you also get the characters just plain acting like jerks. Joey cheating on Caitlin with barely any remorse, Wheels not feeling sorry he killed a kid, Snake starting a fight. Joey was always a fun, wisecracking dude. What happened? By the end of the movie you end up feeling bad for some people and just flat-out disliking others. No one is really redeemed by the end (except maybe Snake who saves someone from drowning) and it ends on a fairly big down-note.
Overall I wouldn't call this a failure. Not at all. It's worth a look and even essential viewing if you're a fan as it ties up the original series. Just that it doesn't FEEL like the DEGRASSI we know and love.
Fortunately though the original gang lives on in DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION, which features appearances from many of the old cast members. So if anything SCHOOL'S OUT bridges the gap between the old series and the new series.
It seems like they tried to make the overall "Degrassi-verse" a little more mature then the original show to reflect the gang getting older as time passes but unfortunately the movie suffers for it. We have many dramatic elements but unlike the show it just doesn't feel REAL. When you watch the original shows you feel like you're right there with these people experiencing what they're going through, whether it's good, funny or bad. Here you feel like you're watching a typical soap opera with a good deal of heavy-handed BAD.
Also sadly missing are the humorous elements and likable aspects of the characters. Instead we get heavy, seemingly endless amounts of mello-drama (and even a little shock value). Tessa gets pregnant and gets an abortion, Wheels gets into a drunk driving accident that kills a kid and blinds Lucy. And you also get the characters just plain acting like jerks. Joey cheating on Caitlin with barely any remorse, Wheels not feeling sorry he killed a kid, Snake starting a fight. Joey was always a fun, wisecracking dude. What happened? By the end of the movie you end up feeling bad for some people and just flat-out disliking others. No one is really redeemed by the end (except maybe Snake who saves someone from drowning) and it ends on a fairly big down-note.
Overall I wouldn't call this a failure. Not at all. It's worth a look and even essential viewing if you're a fan as it ties up the original series. Just that it doesn't FEEL like the DEGRASSI we know and love.
Fortunately though the original gang lives on in DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION, which features appearances from many of the old cast members. So if anything SCHOOL'S OUT bridges the gap between the old series and the new series.
Nice End to the Series
mgarland-183-55451711 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I am a Degrassi Fan that grew up with these kids. I'm one year younger than them, so I related to them, and found it to be cool, and comforting as I went through my own teen dramas at the time. When I got to high school, I lost track of the High School show due to more teen drama. I guess you could say that I was living my own show with my friends, and family. It certainly was not because it wasn't an innovative classic for all teens. I think this show is timeless despite the era it was made in. I recently caught up with the High School show, and the movie finale. It was a pleasure to see how the writers aged the kids naturally through high school to the beginning of "University". As a die hard fan, I wanted to see what happened to all of the kids from the shows that we got to know, but there were too many characters to wrap up. So I think that they decided to focus on the kids they thought had the best story lines. The movie felt like a heightened version of the High School show. There were a few minor inconsistencies with some of the characters, but I understand them as an adult. That is that some characters that were hanging out in the movie, never did in High School because they were in different cliques. I think I would have been upset if I saw this movie in 1992. I was a senior in high school then. I would have said, "They never hung out in High School, that's so random!" Maybe it was as simple as certain actors not being available to do the movie. Also, I just wanted to put out a silly question. There is a minor character that was in the show from the beginning named Nancy. She never had a storyline, but was always there. She was an overachiever who was always in school government, and the school papers. Basically, she was "runnin' sh*t", but unlike other school leaders from the show, (Stephanie, Kathleen, Bronco), she never had a storyline. Why is that? I'm sure they could have done something with her. I think all of the minor characters had at least one story line in at least one show. Anyhow, the movie gives you a lot of heavy (sex triangle & alcohol infused tragedy) with some light humor (Alexa & Simon's marriage) mixed in. It makes sense for them to go a bit more heavy, and adult because they were young adults. It's the summer before college, so typically, kids are drinking, using drugs, and having sex. I love the shock value of seeing these kids curse. I actually had to stop, and play the Caitlin/Joey/Snake confrontation again because it was so shocking, and funny to hear it. It made sense, and I laughed hysterically! I think that the characters were true to themselves, and you could basically surmise what would happen with these kids as they became adults. When I learned about the Next Generation show, I was excited to watch it with my little brother, and introduced him to the original show. He liked both, and was into it for a little while, but like myself, he started getting more involved in his own real life teen drama, and fell off. I would always invite him to watch with me, but he blew it off to go to the mall, and chase girls with his friends. I understood. I watched a little more of it by myself, but fell off again because it is essentially a remake of the original. I think that Degrassi is a unique series that is a timeless classic that I would put in the same category as Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Cheers to the actors, and writers of the Degrassi series. You'll always have "high marks" in my book. A+
Sad ending, but memorable of the 80s
Triple0013 February 2001
I used to really like the Degrassi series - I probably still would if they continued airing it (even if they were reruns).
I was actually too young at the time to relate to the characters, but they managed to tackle serious social and personal issues that could happen to any teenager in any day of their life. Because of the brilliance of this series, I am able to embrace the knowledge it has brought upon me. However, the movie was a different story...
The first time I heard 'School's out' was going to be on TV (early-mid 90s, perhaps?) I was extremely excited, but once I saw it, it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. I felt that the characters had matured way too much, which seemed like a huge jump from when they were just in High School. It was rather dismal and depressing to see practically all the characters have their lives ruined, though, I suppose films like this would provide a really good way of educating a lot of future teenagers.
The good aspects of the film is that it looks into modern teen issues, and more importantly, it was a good laugh to be seeing all the tragic 80s/early 90s fashion blunders and side-to-side dancing emerge after a while of slumber.
I was actually too young at the time to relate to the characters, but they managed to tackle serious social and personal issues that could happen to any teenager in any day of their life. Because of the brilliance of this series, I am able to embrace the knowledge it has brought upon me. However, the movie was a different story...
The first time I heard 'School's out' was going to be on TV (early-mid 90s, perhaps?) I was extremely excited, but once I saw it, it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. I felt that the characters had matured way too much, which seemed like a huge jump from when they were just in High School. It was rather dismal and depressing to see practically all the characters have their lives ruined, though, I suppose films like this would provide a really good way of educating a lot of future teenagers.
The good aspects of the film is that it looks into modern teen issues, and more importantly, it was a good laugh to be seeing all the tragic 80s/early 90s fashion blunders and side-to-side dancing emerge after a while of slumber.
It's nice to get closure ...
itsthekylefiles28 October 2023
This was a great end to a series that really helped me through my teen years. It was nice to get closure as when the show ended it was before any of them had graduated and never felt "finished".
The movie covers that next step after high school and before college. That summer after finishing high school is a massive one for most teenagers. Life changing decisions are made, and the characters go through some of the common ones.
There is a definite "step up" in the things the characters get up to as well. Casual alcohol and drug use and even casual sex. For the first time we're not getting lessons behind every decision either it's just naturally evolving.
The movie is still corny and predictable as was the series and it isn't all without its lessons. Still, that is what we love about the show and this movie is a definite must watch for fans!
The movie covers that next step after high school and before college. That summer after finishing high school is a massive one for most teenagers. Life changing decisions are made, and the characters go through some of the common ones.
There is a definite "step up" in the things the characters get up to as well. Casual alcohol and drug use and even casual sex. For the first time we're not getting lessons behind every decision either it's just naturally evolving.
The movie is still corny and predictable as was the series and it isn't all without its lessons. Still, that is what we love about the show and this movie is a definite must watch for fans!
Unexpected ending
francoischristana22 August 2021
School's Out teaches the mistakes you make will follow you forever. Joey begins an affair with Tessa after Caitlin refused his proposal causing him to lose her. Wheels drives drunk injuring a child and Lucy which he had to serve time in jail. Spike had to work the entire summer to provide for her newborn. Tessa got pregnant from Joey, she had an abortion after Joey made it clear there was no future between them. Caitlin was magnanimous for forgiving Joey and wanting to be friends, I would probably would have wanted revenge.
Joey as a superstud?
sunproof3 July 2000
School's Out was only a good movie because it was the Degrassi people. I don't think Joey was very convincing as a superstud, and I wanted to shoot Caitlin. Her character used to be all cool and feminist, but in this movie she was a big wimp. But it is definitely worth seeing.
Delightfully Dark
Mr.Biz4 June 2000
I'm not a big Degrassi fan, so maybe that's why I found this to be such an interesting movie.
I watched Degrassi when I was in my early teens, my Father thought it was a good way to teach me some things about life. I thought the show was good, but I was never a big fan. I got to know the characters over the years, I saw them grow, but I didn't really feel for them very much.
The other week I got to see the movie. I wont talk about anything other then the story line, because that's really all I noticed.
It really wasn't anything like the show, but what the show had done for me is build up the characters, give them a lot of depth. In other movies you get to know the characters for a very short time. I knew these characters for all their teenaged years.
The movie totally ruins nearly all their lives. This gave me a very weird, interesting feeling. I never really cared for the characters, so I didn't feel sad. But I didn't expect all this to happen, I really enjoyed it.
Or maybe my mind is just twisted.
I watched Degrassi when I was in my early teens, my Father thought it was a good way to teach me some things about life. I thought the show was good, but I was never a big fan. I got to know the characters over the years, I saw them grow, but I didn't really feel for them very much.
The other week I got to see the movie. I wont talk about anything other then the story line, because that's really all I noticed.
It really wasn't anything like the show, but what the show had done for me is build up the characters, give them a lot of depth. In other movies you get to know the characters for a very short time. I knew these characters for all their teenaged years.
The movie totally ruins nearly all their lives. This gave me a very weird, interesting feeling. I never really cared for the characters, so I didn't feel sad. But I didn't expect all this to happen, I really enjoyed it.
Or maybe my mind is just twisted.
Degrassi takes a turn for the worse!
deadclbs15 March 1999
The End of Degrassi
wroache12 June 2001
Well I finally saw this movie (10 years after its release).
I was a big Degrassi fan throughout middle and the first part of high school. In fact, I even remember seeing "The Kids of Degrassi Street" way back when on PBS. I always enjoyed the real type of issues that the series covered and honestly the show was way ahead of its time in several ways.
The show was pretty good with not resolving issues or plot lines within a 30 minute time span. And some issues lasted thru many episodes and some were never completely resolved.
The final episodes of Degrassi High kind of took the opposite approach and started to resolve things.
The movie decided to go back in the opposite direction and leave everybody in a mess. And unlike several others that have posted a review, I think this was a good and realistic thing. So I liked what the movie was trying to do and it was in complete 'Degrassi' style.
But with that being said, let me say that this movie was most definiately the weakest Degrassi project. The plot was basically boring drivel about nothing.
The wedding of Simon and Alexa was just plain boring. The affair with Tessa was nothing but soap opera. The on again, off again thing with Caitlin and Joey was old news and just a retread. The Snake plotline was STUPID, it amounts to "can't get laid during his senior summer". The guy never had sex during all of high school and now becomes a nutcase during his senior summer because of it. Who cares!!!
The only plotline worth anything was Wheel's. It was a very ironic way for him to go out considering what originally put him down that path.
School's Out was a good but failed attempt to end the series.
I hope they do a reunion at some point, even if it is only with a few cast members.
I was a big Degrassi fan throughout middle and the first part of high school. In fact, I even remember seeing "The Kids of Degrassi Street" way back when on PBS. I always enjoyed the real type of issues that the series covered and honestly the show was way ahead of its time in several ways.
The show was pretty good with not resolving issues or plot lines within a 30 minute time span. And some issues lasted thru many episodes and some were never completely resolved.
The final episodes of Degrassi High kind of took the opposite approach and started to resolve things.
The movie decided to go back in the opposite direction and leave everybody in a mess. And unlike several others that have posted a review, I think this was a good and realistic thing. So I liked what the movie was trying to do and it was in complete 'Degrassi' style.
But with that being said, let me say that this movie was most definiately the weakest Degrassi project. The plot was basically boring drivel about nothing.
The wedding of Simon and Alexa was just plain boring. The affair with Tessa was nothing but soap opera. The on again, off again thing with Caitlin and Joey was old news and just a retread. The Snake plotline was STUPID, it amounts to "can't get laid during his senior summer". The guy never had sex during all of high school and now becomes a nutcase during his senior summer because of it. Who cares!!!
The only plotline worth anything was Wheel's. It was a very ironic way for him to go out considering what originally put him down that path.
School's Out was a good but failed attempt to end the series.
I hope they do a reunion at some point, even if it is only with a few cast members.
Degrassi is still keeping it real.
nightsamba15 January 2001
What distinguished the Degrassi series through all its various incarnations was the fact that it dealt with the problems of growing up in a honest and straightforward manner, School's Out is no exception.Although it might be comforting to people who have followed the series from the beginning to think that these young people live happily ever after, that wouldn't be true to intent of the original series or, true to life. This drama shows actions and there consequences as these young people accept(or choose not to accept) the responsibilities of adulthood.The result is a complex, disturbing,yet ultimately hopeful final(?) chapter to the wonderful Degrassi saga.
Too bad, so sad
sparrow200019 November 1999
This movie is a travesty for true DeGrassi fans. While the series focused on real, true to life problems, and dealt with them delicately and realistically, this "film" is silly, and sensationalist. All the characters are changed beyond recognition, showing none of Degrassi's characteristic consistency. It is terribly depressing, and a positively awful way to end Canada's love affair with these kids. Six out of a possible ten.
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