Street Smart (1987) review

Reporter Jonathan Fisher (Christopher Reeve) pitches to his boss Ted Avery (Andre Gregory) a new story to cover "The Lifestyle of a Pimp" ... except he doesn't know any hustlers, so he decides to just "make up" the story, which leads him into trouble when the fake narrative links him to a very dangerous man named Fast Black (Morgan Freeman), who's facing a murder rap.  This is the kind of movie that wants you to think it's smarter than it really is - Fisher proudly states he's a Harvard Graduate, but he must not have paid attention in any of his classes, nor does he possess a conscience: he breaks one of the Golden Rules of Journalism (never lie), puts girlfriend Alison (Mimi Rogers) in a dangerous position with a guy named Solo (Rick Aviles), he cheats on his girlfriend with call girl Punchy (Kathy Baker) and is caught "feeding" her at a party and then, improbably, foils the cunning Freeman (in one of his greatest roles).  It's disappointing that the script and Reeve are mediocre, but it worked out well for Freeman who, at the age of 50 (!), was finally given his "big break."  See kids, never give up your dreams!