Released in September 2005 by Miramax Films , Underclassman is an action-comedy directed by Marcos Siega. The film follows Tracy "Tre" Stokes (Nick Cannon), a 23-year-old bicycle cop with boyish looks who goes undercover at the elite Westbury School to solve a student's murder and bust an international car-theft ring. While designed as a star vehicle for Cannon, the film serves as a case study in the "undercover high school" trope, blending elements of Beverly Hills Cop with teen drama.
plays Karen Lopez, a teacher who serves as both a romantic interest and a catalyst for Tre to reflect on his own education.
Despite its focus on action, Underclassman touches on several recurring themes:
The supporting cast features veteran actors who provide grounding for the film’s high-energy antics: