Genres

Visitors Review

cygnus x-1 2012-05-21 12:44:48

a decent variation on the 'body snatchers' type plot

i rented this movie and I Still Know What You Did Last Summer in the sameevening and after how horrible that movie was i was hesitant to pop in TheFaculty.fortunately, this isn't a bad little movie. it's basically a high schoolvariation on the whole 'body snatchers' theme and up until the last 15minutes is pretty solid and well done.the movie is well written and acted and the whole high school setting allowswriter kevin williamson to put some unique spins on the student/teacherinteraction.the special effects are also restrained up until the last 15 or so minuteswhen the movie goes out of control and completely loses it's focus. theacting is good and i liked Salma Hayek's cameo as the school nurse (boywhat i would of done to have a school nurse as hot as she is when i was inhigh school!) better that i was expecting. Not great, but pretty welldone.rating:7

2012-05-21 08:37:37

Neat little horror thriller

The Faculty is another attempt to cash in on Teenage America's on again, off again love affair with horror movies. The temptation to make them is strong because their budgets are relatively low, mainly because they rarely need to employ one or two expensive stars for marquee value. Parents may well remember seeing Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street, both of which came out around 1980, but almost none of them remember who starred in them. It is somewhat different now because so many actors in these movies are successful players on TV series or soap operas, but they are still young and inexpensive. The Faculty is a modestly imaginative entry, even though it admits it owes much of its story to Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The story is basic. Students at an Ohio high school have always been alienated from their teachers, but this year the teachers really are aliens. A parasite from someplace has taken over their bodies. The lead players are the usual stereotypes. There is Casey [Elijah Wood], the nerdy smart kid. Jordana Brewster plays Delilah, the school's beautiful Queen of Mean. Stan, the Jock, is played by Shawn Hatosey. Then we have Zeke the Rebel [Josh Harnett], Stokely the Outcast [Clea DuVall] and Marybeth the Good Girl [Laura Harris]. The teachers and parents are also straight out of the Stereotype's Handbook. They range from mildly neurotic to dangerously psychotic, and this is before the aliens get them. What saves the movie are the directing style of Robert Rodriguez, who elicits strong performances from the cast, and the fairly intelligent dialog. Everything is propelled by the type of humor that is best appreciated by people under the age of 21. While the horror is predictable, it fits the satirical nature of the picture. In one scene, one character says to another, "Don't you ever just want to be yourself? I know I do." She then transforms into a hideous monster. Similar scenes are too risque to describe here.Another plus is that the young cast is full of actors who are a cut above those usually found in such fare. I expect to see a lot more of them, especially Josh Harnett, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris and Elijah Wood, who has proved his talent in a number of other movies. Of the older actors, it was great to see Piper Laurie, though she deserves better material. Miss Laurie made her first movie when she was eighteen. I wonder what she thought of these youngsters, who are about the same age as she was when she started a half a century ago.

Nancy 2012-05-20 11:36:01

Excellent movie

The Faculty is an excellent creepy movie starring H20's Josh Hartnett, DeepImpact's Elijah Wood, and Summer Of Sam's Bebe Nuewrith. Aliens start takingover the faculty at Herrington High School and then move on to the students,by the next day there are only 6 students left that aren't aliens and theyhave to find away to stop the aliens by killing the "head" alien and theyhave to find who the head alien is. Its a very creepy movie but unlike KevinWilliamsons Scream this one ends on a good note. Rent it itswonderful!

2012-05-19 14:24:18

Not Bad

Not bad at all. I wanted to see this in the theater, but my husband wouldn't go with me, since I'd dragged him to the putrid 'Urban Legend' the month before (I regretted it too). I really wish now I'd seen it in the theater, I still liked it on video but it's one of those 'popcorn' movies. I took stars away for it's shamelessly ripping off "The Thing", one of the ten best horror films ever made (in my opinion that is) and one I've seen over a dozen times. The take-the-test-to-make-sure-the monster-isn't-you scene and the severed head spouting legs and running around, spider-like, are right out of that movie (and so is the character's 'what the f---?' line when he sees it). But if you're going to steal, steal from the best. I also am not the biggest Kevin Williamson fan in the world, maybe because I'm not in my 20's anymore and I find his aren't-I-clever pop-culture references painful. But those are minor points. I've seen most of the stuff he scripted and this is his best--much more unpredictable. Unfortunately I figured out who the "Queen" alien was before it happened, because I read a semi-spoiler. But in the scene (the one ripped off from the thing) where all the characters are alone in a room and one-by-one are tested to see if they have the monster in them, the last one I expected turned out to be the monster. I'm pretty good at guessing plot twists, so I liked that. Also, I don't think this movie would have been as fun or enjoyable without Robert "Rocket" Rodriguez directing. He just kicks ass. The scenes with the fireworks going off at the football game were beautifully shot, and the monster scenes were also fantastic, especially the shot in the locker room where the monster barrels after the kid and whole banks of lockers go flying through the air. The swimming pool scene was also pretty impressive. Also, maybe it wasn't original compared to, say, older horror films such as Re-Animator and The Thing, but compared to most of the teen horror film s--t that has been put out recently that has been so trendy, this is much more original. For instance, the fact that drugs are used as a weapon against the aliens (I think this is what really pissed off so many of the parents who rant about banning the movie) was great and refreshingly un-PC. The cast was also good, especially most of the Faculty members/aliens such as BeBe Neuwirth and Piper Laurie. The kids were all pretty good actors. The effects were mind-blowing, and I'm glad they mixed animatronics with CGI. (I'm noticing less and less animatronics in horror films and more CGI as the years go by, and that kind of disturbs me...I can imagine that years from now, movies will be put out that feature not only CGI effects but CGI actors. OK, I'm scaring myself) Also, the fact that if the Queen alien is killed, that the rest of the infected aliens will turn back into the humans they were annoyed me at first, but when I thought back on it was original. Also, it doesn't have one of those lame "the end...or is it?" type endings that leaves room for a sequel. Gotta admire that. Definitely worth a rental...don't forget the popcorn.

BUTCHER-5 2012-05-18 04:08:27

Hollywood strikes again...

This is another commercial,suspenseless production made in Hollywood.Thescript by so-called "master" Kevin Williamson is mediocre-the first fortyminutes or so were captivating and interesting enough to keep myattention.The rest of the film was stupid-it was basically a blatant copy ofthe "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".The acting is so-so,there are some niceperformances by Elijah Wood,Famke Janssen,Robert Patrick etc.It's a pitythat most of the characters in this movie are one-dimensional(I liked onlythe characters of Casey,Mary Beth or even Delilah-sometimes!).All inall,this is an average movie slightly better than overrated "Scream" orridiculous "Urban Legend".Nothing spectacular.Nowadays horror movies relymore on expensive special effects than suspense or gore-this is bad andKevin Williamson should have known this.

2012-05-17 15:25:03

An edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that keeps you guessing

Kevin Williamson has redeemed himself (almost) for Scream 2! "The Faculty" is a fun, scary movie with great acting and plenty of scares. I was very disappointed that cocaine gets so glorified, but on the whole it's really a great movie I'd reccomend to anyone!

marquis de cinema 2012-05-12 12:34:53

Scifi Clunker

Attempted to do with the science fiction genre what Scream did with thehorror film. The Faculty(1998) fails to come up with an interesting take onthe Science Fiction movie. Written by the same person who wrote the firsttwo Scream films. This film is just as lousy as those so called horrorfeatures. Tries to poke fun at films like The Thing(1952, 1982), Invasionof the Body Snatcher(1954) and fails horribly.I was surprised that the movie did not make a reference to HorrorExpress(1972) as that film was in the same vein as the films mentionedabove. A much better and superior film school flick is the film, Class of1984(1982). Some of the film rips off the similarly themed feature, Classof 1999. Famke Janssen is very good in her role of the shy school liberian. Robert Patrick steals the show as the alien possessed, CoachWillis.The rest of the acting is below par. The Faculty(1998) was another dud forfilmmaker, Robert Rodriguez who hasn't done anything good since his debut in1992 with El Mariachi. The Faculty(1998) proves to me that Hollywood hasgiven up on making daring and creative horror films that will be rememberedfor a lifetime. The story is about aliens who try to take over the earth byusing teachers and some students as hosts. Salma Hayek is one of the fewand rare reasons to watch this terrible motion picture.

David 2012-05-11 23:23:40

A rip-snorting hunk of giddy, self-aware genre trash!

High school students notice that teachers and classmates are behaving oddly!Sounds juvenile but it works to an extent.This is an adolescent variation on invasion of the Body Snatchers, done withimmense energy and a little wit. It isn't the least bit scary orparticularly involving, but that seems to be the point. And when you add acool, and pretty cast (Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster and Elijah Wood) itbecomes even more watchable.Mark: 6/10

Gloria Sens 2012-05-09 10:12:34

The best unreal film that I have ever seen

Is just great !!!!, I love this cool movieis so unreal but good adapted....and I think is the best of the genre ...haha, I can see it over and over again andI won't get tired neverand talking about the soundtrack, is even more coolreally, if u r reading this and you are a fanatic of movies likethis....see this one !!!!!!!! don't lose your time in othersok?

NiCK 2012-05-08 19:42:41

A fun movie

This is a very entertaining movie. Im a fan of Robert Rodriguez movies andhow he makes his movies sort-of comical, like the style of the movie isripped out of a comic book or graphic novel. Nonstop thrills from beginningto end. If your looking for complex story, good acting, etc. dont watchthis, but if you love mindless running and thrills or some way to passtime,this is the movie for you!

2012-05-07 08:51:18

TEACHERS PETS?

If you're gonna rip off a classic like INVASION OF BODY SNATCHERS or PUPPET MASTERS, at least do it right...Robert Rodriguez did it right with this stylish and visceral thriller. Blessed with a very talented young cast and some venerable artists, THE FACULTY is fun, furious and frightening. There are some unexpected plot twists, and the terror of being "changed" ever prominent.The best performances: Piper Laurie, fiercely understated; Shawn Hotosy (an intelligent and sensitive jock); Clea DuVall (Gothicly gorgeous); Robert Patrick (what a manly coach!); and Elijah Wood (destined to become the lord of the rings).The good performances: Bebe Neuwirth as the red-taped principal; Josh Hartnett as the dropout back to save the day; and Famke Janssen as the sex-deprived teacher who does a remarkable makeover once possessed. Laura Harris (The Calling) is okay, but not great, in her role as newcomer Mary Beth.The movie moves well and has some high moments of comedy, to boot. Credit to screenwriter Kevin Williamson for this delightfully different, if derivative, horror.

sizzlepepper 2012-05-06 23:49:13

What the hell is going on here?

First of all, there are GAPING plot holes in this garbage quality film, andsecond of all, what a waste of good acting. Yes, it is well-acted, I will give itthat -- Elijah Wood, Salma Hayek... But as for the plot. Plot? Yes, there is apparently aplot. It does borrow from the Body Snatchers but gives it credit within the film.It's almost like a tribute to the story. The fact that what is possessing theteachers is something alien is not well depicted. It's just sort of assumed, becausenobody knows what these creatures are. It isn't really an alien movie at all --there is no proof that these things are aliens. They're just weird monsters. And theending is so cheesy. How the hell does killing the queen kill the rest of themonsters? They had all proved to be independently spreading themselves to new victims,so why would killing their leader make them all magically just die. Also,how much coke did the main characters do throughout this film just to keepproving to each other that they weren't aliens? PS overdose? They'd be dead by theend of it after doing that much cocaine. This movie makes no sense. It'sslightly enjoyable if you watch it just for pure fun and ridiculousness. Oh yea, thespecial effects are a little cheesy but it was an interesting effort....Elijah Wood's character is just so damn adorable as well. Watch it, at thevery least, for him.

2012-05-04 00:25:49

Totally Awesome movie, if you haven't seen it, get it

I loved the movie, it is a real thrill ride, the effects are awesome, and as far as what the little creature look likes... it's awesome, i've never seen anything like it. And the actors, they all look so good(The young ones that is, the lead characters) Josh, Shawn, and Elijah, 3 good looking guys in one movie, and Usher is even in as a secondary character. The actors and actresses all did a great job, I hope to see them all in another movie together, they just looked like they worked so well together. It was Totally Awesome, if you haven't seen it, get it. You'll be sorry if you don't.

2012-05-03 04:19:56

A Very Shocking Movie

The Faculty was a great movie! It isn't like your slasher movie where kids are getting chopped up every where, however, it is a suspense kind of movie. Imagine being a kid who discovers aliens are takeing over the school, and no one believes you. Well, if you're like me and want to see a movie that keeps you guessing, this is the one for you!

2012-04-30 04:01:05

"The Faculty": Nothing New About Teachers We Already Know!

Sad Elijah Wood is so picked on, but when it comes to finding comets, or in this case aliens, he's better than the drugs they sniff in the movie! The strong character appeal in "The Faculty" can't make up for it's bland story events or scares. The movie is indeed a horror, but you are laughing so hard at the dumb situations the characters are mazed through that writer Kevin Williamson has more of a spoof on his hands than a horror. The only thing the film is missing is Gale Weathers as one of the reporters at the end and a "Six Degrees of Scream" sign on it's back. One thing that could actually interest you is the cat fights between students at school (the fender bender was the best!) but even they get unsatisfing and don't last. Some of the actors are so lost in this movie they need to go back to that wild, wild west or tracking down that John Conner kid. When you are able to recall some of the scary music in this film from the previous "Scream", you know that you're in trouble. Williamson did have some choice come backs, but how hard is it to put curse words together? One insult to the next added to a budget as big as Kingdom Come minus effective scares equal a waste of two hours you could have spent on homework pleasing a real faculty that matters.

2012-04-29 20:55:40

THIS IS THE GREATEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN!

I LOVE THIS MOVIE! JOSH HARTNETT IS REALLY REALLY REALLY HOTT TOO! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MOVIE, YOU HAVE TO SEE IT, IT IS THE BEST!

brettheart 2012-04-26 02:43:27

90-minute commercial...

So...it's good to think for yourself, and be independent...as long as youwear Tommy Hilfiger clothing. That's pretty much what I took away from themovie. I know the guy financed the thing, but still...I was half expectinga big alien mothership to show up with a big red/white/blue logo paintedonto the side, booming "We come to take over your bodies...and STEAL YOURREALLY FLY TOMMY BRAND-NAME SHIRTS!!!"

2012-04-25 14:01:32

i thought this movie was supposed to be horror?

this movie was kind of scary but mostly science fiction.good for fans of both of those kind of movies

2012-04-23 12:14:51

This Disc has MAJOR problems

WARNING!!! This DVD can ONLY be seen in "Widescreen" If you have a 16x9 TV. If you're like me and still have a 4:3 ratio TV but still want to see the movie in a letterbox format your out of luck. Because of a manufacturing screw up in the disc itself you will only see a Pan & Scan Fullscreen version. I have tried this DVD on many different players and got the same result on all of them. If anyone knows of a fix for this please let me know.So to be clear16x9 TV = Widescreen Movie 4:3 TV = Fullscreen Movie (Regardless of DVD player)

zack2085 2012-04-22 16:34:09

A great Sci-Fi flick!

If you enjoyed "Scream" and "I Know...", you'll probably love thisthrillingteen sci-fi flick. With a cast of mostly unknowns, sans Elijah Wood, theydoa pretty good job. The most recognizable cast members include the facultythemselves, like Jon Stewart, Famke Janssen, and Bebe Neuwirth, and theydoa great job portraying aliens. Some plot points don't make that muchsense,but live with it, it's a fun movie that is very easy to enjoy.