Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Written by Kevin Williamson, David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel. Starring Jordana Brewster, Clea Duvall, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Elijah Wood, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Robert Patrick, Jon Stewart and Usher.
Plot: the faculty at a high school are turning into aliens and they have the students on the run
Almost 20 years ago now, (someone hit me with something hard) there was this angst fueled horror gem. I was 16 at the time and identified with Stokely (DuVall) the most, although I never loved the jock. My sights would have been set on Zeke, drug dealer, rebel, all around James Dean attitude complete with wanting to ride too fast in a cherry car.
The movie starts with him and I suppose ends that way, too. He is the “leader” of the bunch trying to survive without becoming aliens themselves. Although his crush on a certain teacher (Janssen) almost gets him dead, he’s the one who figures out how to kill the aliens. After that, it’s just a matter of figuring out the bad guys from the good guys.
We really like this movie. There are some things that could be better. Because of it’s wide release and rating, there’s no boobs. Also, no Freddy Claws and no one likable in the first 30 minutes or so. Even Stokely’s a bit harsh for no reason. I also have a problem with the mouse death (may he RIP) and the use of a Creed song. Because any Creed song, at any time, is bad news.
The acting is good though. The cast is great. It followed rules and it’s fun to watch. And DJ, with his happy ending, loving self, adores the sweet changes in the students lives by the end of the movie. It’s enough to make a normal person want to throw up.
Give it a go people, if you haven’t already. We give it a 65/100.
I suppose I could list my favorite movies here, but instead I'll give you a strange glimpse into what makes me TaraRomero.
1. I met George Romero. He was the kindest and sweetest man. He talked to me for longer than he should have with the line getting longer. He also held my hand. And when he noticed the ladybug I have tattooed on my wrist, he said he liked it and asked me it's name. Till then, it had not had a name. Now, I call him George.
2. I love stickers. All stickers. I just adore them. I even ask for stickers for Christmas! As a matter of fact, the birthday that just past, every member of my immediate family gave me sticker packs as gifts. Affordable and extremely appreciated.
3. I have never put much stock in astrology or horoscopes, but I LOVE the magic of the MBTI. Omg. I am an INFP and it actually sounds just like me. Introverted mostly. Creative always. Heart before head and not the most logical. Totally me! For better or worse.
4. It's no surprise I count horror so high up on the list of things that make me, me. However, it's so within my soul that I was part of the Horror Club in college. Interesting bunch. And even took a Horror Lit class as an elective. I got an A.
5. Coffee always makes me happy. Always. I'm particularly fond of caramel macchiatos. But I'll drink black coffee if it's the only thing available.
6. I hate shock for the sake of shock and endings that depress me. I always mention the movies Within (2016) and the Eli Roth produced, written and starred in, Aftershock (2012), as proof of this distate I have. I abhor the idea that just because I like horror, some people think I'd actually praise a movie that lets you think the "Final Girl" just made it through the night, only to slap her in the face with a tsunami.
7. We are big time animal people. I mean, if I could, I'd have an elephant, a bear, a zebra, a penguin, an otter and a meerkat, living with me. Seriously though. We have 2 dogs right now and 2 cats. Both cats we picked up when they each came to our front door hungry. And both dogs we got from 2 different sets of neighbors. Both who, unfortunately, don't know how to care for pets long-term. But they're happy and healthy now!!
8. Revisiting my love of horror, one of the above cats, my cat, is a little black guy named Church. Because Pet Sematary. His middle name is even Pascow. To give credit where credit's due, the name was DJ's idea. But he loves horror too!
9. I'm big into art. Along with movie posters and an Anne Frank quote, I have some actual paintings on my wall. I really think Dali paints beautifully when he wants to. And if I don't get to see Michaelangelo's Pieta in person some day, I will be very disappointed.
10. Lastly, I find Emily Dickinson's poetry intriguing. I took an elective course about her as well. But do you know I injected horror even there? I was given a poem to dissect and I picked one on death, of course. Then, I researched old "Death Photos" and even printed out copies for everyone in the class. They were so interested in looking at them that it stopped them from all looking at me, and I was able to deal quite well with my stage fright. Haha
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