The Faculty (1998) / Horror-Sci Fi

MPAA Rated: R for violence, gore, strong language, drug use, and some nudity
Running Time: 104 min.

Cast: Elijah Wood, Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Salma Hayek, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Christopher McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher Raymond, Jon Stewart
Small role: Harry Knowles, Danny Masterson
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Screenplay: Kevin Williamson
Review published June 25, 1999

In an Ohio high school, the faculty begins exhibiting strange behavior including dressing sexy and drinking copious amounts of H₂O. The behavior seems to be spreading to the students as well, and soon the handful of students left must fight for their lives or be converted as well to what they believe is an alien invasion.

Pretty much a next-gen rip-off of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, although the film does well in admitting the fact. Of course, this version has no deeper political points unlike the original, this is pure and simple a fangoria fright flick.

As scare flicks go, this isn't too scary although it certainly is high on gore and may turn off the squeamish. The cast is likeable and gets lots of help from an impressive supporting cast which includes Salma Hayek (Desperado), Piper Laurie (Carrie), Jon Stewart (Half Baked), Bebe Neuwirth (The Associate), and Robert Patrick (the T-1000 from T2).

Not a good film by any stretch of the imagination, but young horror lovers in search of a no-brainer fright flick may have fun with their friends watching this film.

Qwipster's rating: 

©1999 Vince Leo