Watch Light It Up

Light It Up is a gripping urban drama that was released in 1999. The cast is stellar, with notable names such as Usher Raymond, Forest Whitaker, Rosario Dawson, and Vanessa L. Williams. Directed by Craig Bolotin, Light It Up tells the story of six high school students who are forced to take drastic measures to get their voices heard.

The movie takes place in a run-down inner-city high school called Lincoln High, which is in desperate need of repairs. The students are frustrated by the lack of investment in their school and the ineffectiveness of their teachers. One day, they witness their beloved custodian, Lester Dewitt (played by Forest Whitaker), being brutally beaten by the police. The students feel that they have to stand up for Lester and make their voices heard.

The students decide to stage a peaceful protest in their school, demanding better conditions and the reinstatement of Lester as a custodian. However, as the protest goes on, things escalate quickly. The students are locked in the school by a malfunctioning security system and are unable to communicate with the outside world. They are forced to take more drastic measures to get their message across, including arming themselves with guns.

The lead protagonist is Lester's son, Ziggy (played by Usher Raymond). He is a bright and ambitious student with a troubled past, who is constantly at odds with his mother. Along with five other students, Ziggy leads the protest and the subsequent standoff with the police that ensues. Each of the six students has their own personal struggles and motivations that drive them towards their ultimate goal of justice.

The film is a tense and emotional ride, filled with thought-provoking dialogue and powerhouse performances. The chemistry between the students is palpable, and the characters are fully fleshed out, each with their own unique backstory. The film deals with issues such as police brutality, the education system, and the effects of poverty on inner-city communities.

The cinematography of Light It Up is superb, with clever camera angles and effective use of color symbolism. The lighting is used to great effect, with the vast majority of the movie taking place inside the school, which is bathed in an ominous yellow light. It reflects the frustration and anger of the students at being trapped in a system that they feel is against them.

One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Forest Whitaker as Lester Dewitt. His portrayal of the gentle and wise custodian is touching and heartbreaking, making the audience truly feel his pain when he is attacked by the police. Other notable performances come from Usher Raymond and Rosario Dawson, who play Ziggy and his love interest, Stephanie Williams, respectively.

Overall, Light It Up is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that tackles important issues with nuance and sensitivity. The movie is a cautionary tale about the dangers of refusing to listen to the youth, and the consequences that can arise when people are pushed too far. The film ends with a hopeful message, encouraging the audience to take action and make a difference in their own communities.

Light It Up is a 2019 sports & fitness movie with a runtime of 19 minutes.