Aliens were a trend back in the 1990s. “The X-Files” was the highest rated TV show on Fox. Roland Emmerich’s best work, “Independence Day” (one of my all-time favorite films) became the highest grossing film of 1996 that made Will Smith an A-List action hero. “Alien 3″ and Alien Resurrection” ruined the Alien franchise leaving a permanent brown stain that’ll never go away. Thanks to its popularity, Miramax green-lit Kevin Williamson’s script, “The Faculty.” Quentin Tarantino’s bestie, Robert “RR” Rodriguez was hired to direct.
Released in 1998, (same year Lethal Weapon 4 came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and managed to make enough money at the box office. Overtime, The Faculty gained a cult following among people who grew up in the ’90s. Anway, it’s Halloween Month. I have a batch of horror themed reviews to get into the spooky mood. Which ones should I review next? Please leave a comment.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. I’m giving you a chance to see this ’90s cult classic.
Healthy & Unhealthy Aspects
Healthy: Elijah Wood, Jordana Brewster, Josh Hartnett & Clea DuVall all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Famke Janssen, Robert Patrick, Salma Hayek, Usher, Jon Stewart, Christopher McDonald & Piper Laurie all did a good job for their respective performances.
Robert “RR” Rodriguez” did a good job directing. He also edited the film.
RR’s wife, Elizabeth Avellan produced the film.
- Fun Fact 1: Although the film takes place in Ohio, it’s actually shot in Texas. That’s were RR’s from. Plus, Usher’s a Texan too.
- Fun Fact 2: Jon Stewart’s character, Mr. Furlong, is named after Edward Furlong. It’s funny because Robert Partick worked with Edward in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” I gotta love in-jokes.
Kevin Williamson (Scream series, Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries) wrote the script.
Marco Beltrami (Hellboy, 3:10 to Yuma, Logan) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Pacing didn’t feel boring at all. I was hooked since the Opening Scene. This is how you hooked the audience by introducing a hostile threat.
Unlike that butt ugly half-Xenomorph and half-human hybrid from Alien Resurrection, The Faculty’s Creature Design looks intimidating.
Unlike most horror films, nobody’s forgettable or unsympathetic that you wanna see die. I cared about every single one. I’m gonna get flak for this, OG “House on Haunted Hill” with Vincent Price lacks compelling characters. I wouldn’t consider it a masterpiece.
A Plot Twist changes everything. Worth a rewatch for subtle clues.
One scene pays homage to the blood test scene from John Carpenter’s “The Thing. RR mentioned John Carpenter as one of his primary influences.
Besides The Thing, the film’s also influenced by “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Basically, a cross between “Scream” & The Thing.
There are some meta references to sci-fi movies and shows. Kinda like “The Lost Boys” minus vampire shout-out.
Unhealthy: Harvey “Richard Ramirez” Weinstein served as an executive producer. This is before the media exposed that sick son of a bitch. He deserves a life sentence.
Ain’t It Cool News founder, Harry Jay Knowles makes a cameo appearance. A darn shame he’s a disgusting a-hole like Weinstein.
Unnecessary Jump Scares were so annoying. It gave me unpleasant flashbacks of “Halloween 20 Years Later.” I can’t stand them. I prefer a psychological atmosphere. Make it look like you’re in an uncomfortable environment.
I’m fully aware RR’s known for making cheap budget films, but the Visual Effects are pretty fake.
The film’s dated. Spells ’90s written all over it.
The Final Verdict: B-
I think The Faculty’s an average sci-fi horror film. Not a flawless masterpiece or a stinker. If you’re interested in seeing this cult classic, give it a shot.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 