Movie review: The Faculty

The students at Herrington High may not be fond of their teachers but become even less so after realizing aliens are infecting them. Though they may not care much for their teachers, the students realize the infection must be stopped before it grows out of control and consumes the world.

Jordana Brewster (Delilah), Clea DuVall (Stokes), Laura Harris (Marybeth), Josh Hartnett (Zeke), Shawn Hatosy (Stan), Salma Hayek (Nurse Rosa), Famke Janssen (Miss Burke), Piper Laurie (Mrs. Olson), Christopher McDonald (Frank), Bebe Neuwirth (Principal Drake), Robert Patrick (Coach Willis), Usher Raymond (Gabe), Jon Stewart (Prof. Furlong), Elijah Wood (Casey).

The Faculty starts off looking like an After School Special but quickly takes a more serious tone when an alien life form begins infecting the school faculty. As the students try to understand what is happening, and finally fight back, things get much more interesting and the film achieves a pretty good pace.

Acting in this one was entertaining to say the least. The cast was amazing with an extensive list of familiar names. Brewster, Wood, Patrick, Hartnett, and Hatosy all did nicely. Janssen was somewhat creepy which fit well while Hayek was underused. The remainder of the supporting cast did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable and fairly well done throughout. CGI effects were good though obvious and overdone in a couple of spots. Physical effects were good, as was makeup and costuming. Dialogue was decent with good comedy, drama, and tension. Sound and soundtrack were well done.

Overall The Faculty is an enjoyable, horror flick despite being aimed at younger audiences. The cast is solid as is technical work. The plot may not be entirely unique but the story moves along well and remains entertaining through the end.

With plenty of violence, gore, foul language, persistent drug use, and nudity save this for the oldest teens and above.

The Faculty is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.

Released: 1998
Reviewed: 11.23.12
Star rating: 4 out of 5

copyright ©2012 Dave Riedel

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, Littleton DVD Examiner

Dave has been writing blogs, articles and poetry for years under various names. Here he turns his attention to movies with a critical eye, sarcasm, and a touch of humor. Often found in front of a movie screen or worshipping Netflix, he can be reached at LittletonDVDExaminer@gmail.com and...

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