By Melissa Antoinette Garza
I had heard about this film quite a few months ago and thought it sounded as though it could be original and fun. Everything I heard about the production made me excited to see it. It was based on a best-selling graphic novel with a huge cult fan base. Though, I hadn’t read the book, its popularity made me optimistic
The movie was advertised as a modern horror parody of The Breakfast Club (1985). As I’m a huge John Hughes fan, I thought this could be fun. More than that, The Breakfast Club is my favorite Brat Pack film. I’m such a fan that I often quote both the principal (Paul Gleason) and Judd Nelson’s character John Bender.
I have been a Judd Nelson fan for years. Whether discussing the underrated thriller Blue City (1986), the TV drama Billionaire Boys Club (1987) or the horror film Relentless (1989), Nelson has always been able to portray riveting characters which easily pull the audience in. Here, Judd Nelson had a supporting role, which was excellent way to pay homage to The Breakfast Club. Though, Nelson did a fantastic job, he was really the only thing that was worth watching.
The movie opens as six students at a rich prep school are forced to spend a Saturday afternoon in the library for detention. Teacher Dr. Day (Jeffrey Schmidt) locks the students in expecting to come back later in the day to let them out for lunch. Bad girl Veronica (Augie Duke) slips eye-drops in his drink which makes him instantly ill thus guaranteeing the high school kids will be left alone for the whole day.
Bored, the group decides to conduct a séance. The library is said to be haunted as the land had been owned by a Native American who is seeking vengeance.
The students end up dying, one by at the hands of an unknown force. Either the ghosts of the prep school enacted revenge upon the bad kids or there is a murderer amidst the group.
Few things are good about this film. For the most part, it’s barely watchable. The film jumps back and forth so many times that it;s difficult to keep track of the storylines taking place. Though the ending explains the questions that arise throughout, it’s hardly a payoff.
One of the biggest issues is the attempts at being clever. Instead, the movie comes across as pretentious in some areas and lame in others. In one scene a character comments on a “draconian” parenting style. It is not realistic for a high-school student, even one familiar with Draco, to use that manner of speak. It would almost be acceptable if the “geek” was the one utilizing the lingo; but instead it’s the rebellious Wiccan. It would also almost be understandable if the language was used to challenge stereotypes, but that isn’t the case either as this is nearly the only intellectual phrase that is uttered by the character.
The characters are too empty. Though, I understand the reason for making them the stereotypical jock, rebel, outcast, popular girl, etc. there should have been more to them. Even despite the fact that the movie was poking fun at the superficiality, it’s difficult to be drawn into a production that in itself is so superficial.
That said, it wasn’t the acting that was bad. It’s simply that the actors didn’t have anything to work with.
Lastly, the film couldn’t decide what type of horror film it wanted to be so it became a mishmash of everything from hauntings, slashers, whodunits, and demonic possession. It was too much with little explanation (until the ending) so nothing really added any intensity or fear factor.
Sadly, I cannot recommend this at all. I really wish it had been better. The conclusion isn’t terrible but it certainly isn’t worth sitting throughout the entire film for.
Scared Stiff Rating: 2.5/10
