CUTTING CLASS

Let me say first that I like this movie and that I am probably in the minority of people that do. Those who know me might say I’m being biased because Jill Schoelen is in it. Maybe I am. I seriously don’t know. I try to imagine this movie with someone else in her role and I think I would still like it only not as much. So yeah, there is a little bias in my opinion of this movie, but not entirely. The basic premise of the movie is high school teachers and students being murdered by a number of possible suspects. Even though the movie tries to have this who-done-it mystery, it doesn’t succeed. It’s rather apparent who the killer is from the start. It’s also supposed to be a horror/comedy, but most of the laughs are unintentional and the horror is rather vague. The cast is probably the biggest highlight even if some, but not all, of the performances are rather lacking. The lovely Jill Schoelen plays Paula, a beautiful, studious and frigid cheerleader. Brad Pitt, in one of his earliest roles, plays Dwight, Paula’s bad boy, jock boyfriend who can’t seem to get Paula to cooperate in some sexual activity. Donovan Leitch plays Brian, an ex-childhood friend of Dwight with an infatuation for Dwight’s girlfriend Paula. Brian has also just been released from a mental institution where he was placed after the murder of his father. The legendary Roddy McDowall plays Mr. Dante, the school principal with a perversion for his young female students. Martin Mull plays Paula’s lawyer father who is leaving for an outdoors vacation. I’d also like to point out Brenda Lynn Klemme, recently seen in Slither, who gives a very likeable performance as Paula’s best friend Colleen. Although you may find yourself rolling your eyes repeatedly while viewing this film, I’d say this movie does have it’s appeal to certain audiences. Mainly Jill Schoelen fans and Brad Pitt fans, but I’d say this movie is perfect for those of you who might like viewing movies with a group of friends in a Mystery Science Theater kind of way. Apparently, Lion’s Gate is working the Brad Pitt angle seeing that he’s the only person on the cover although credited third. A good word to describe this movie is cute, if it possible to describe a horror movie as such. But, then again this isn’t straightforward horror. It’s kind of like a catchy bubble gum pop song that you’re ashamed to admit you like even though you know all the words and maybe even the choreography from the video.

Special Features: Previews of other Lion’s Gate releases.