I haven't heard of this film prior to Scream factory announcing its release. It seemed like an odd fit for their line of releases because after a quick look it didn't really appear to be a horror or sci-fi film. As I watched the film I still didn't get its inclusion until later in the film where everything seemed to have taken a surprisingly sinister turn. The film itself has some problems that prevent it from being a good film. As it it, the film is an interesting oddity that contains some worthwhile aspects (as well as some forgettable ones). The premise of the film is a look at the near future (at that time) of public schools as they are assumed to be based on growing school problems at the time. This is shown through the conflict of two teachers, Andrew (Perry King) and Terry (Roddy McDowall) and an unruly high schooler named Peter (Timothy Van Patten) and his gang. Overall it is an interesting premise but the execution, some of the acting, and ideas hold back the potential of the premise. While someone should obviously not expect an ultra serious and realistic look at troubles in the school system in a film like this, a little bit more realistic scenarios would have been nice. As it is, the film is very campy, pretty outrageous, and very unrealistic.
The movie seemed like it had some difficulty in determining what it was trying to accomplish. It appears that it was trying to be a serious film that was to be a cautionary tale about the hostile possibilities of public schools in the near future (of that time). However, some of the acting and situations seemed a little too over the top and outrageous. Therefore, it was difficult to accept the film as a serious film. As an example of some of the outrageousness found in the film, the gang leader Peter seems to just want to play the piano for the school music class but at the same time runs a drug and a prostitution ring. This level of criminal activity from teenagers, especially the openness about it, seems too far over the top. I assume that the idea was that the criminal activity of teenage high schoolers was increasing but the way the film showed this was a little outrageous. I guess it just adds to the films odd charms.
At one particular point in the film there is a scene that begins the extreme change in the films mood. The first half of the film is very campy and filled with outrageous situations. Then the scene happens involving the gang and Andrew's pregnant wife and the film goes from campiness to a more dark and mean feel. Throughout the film the antics of the school gang grow more and more extreme until we reach this turning point. It is at this turning point that the film goes from a campy semi-serious film to dark and horrific. Essentially this is were the films inclusion in the Scream Factory collection is more understandable. Specifically, the chase sequences towards the end where Andrew gets into physical confrontations with each main member of Peter's gang. With each confrontation comes a different death of a gang member.
While this film definitely has its share of problems, there is a lot to like in the film. It is safe to say that the parts are greater than the sum in regards to this film. The main highlight of the film is the acting of the older characters in the film. The acting of the high schoolers left a lot to be desired but thankfully the acting of the older characters make up for it. In particular, the acting of Roddy McDowall was top notch, as is usually the case with him. A specific scene involving McDowall really stands out. In the scene McDowall's character has become fed up with his students and their lack of interest in learning. So he brings a gun to the class room and tries to intimidate the students into learning. Overall it was a really great scene and his whole character arc in general is a highlight of the film.
Overall this film is worth seeing for just is general outrageousness and campiness. It is not a great film in total but it does have some worthwhile parts that are worth seeing like the acting of the older characters and the death sequences of the gang members. As well, the severe turn from the campy start towards a more sinister and horrific ending is worth checking out.
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