Rating of
2/4
Ebert was right. 'ELECTION' (1999) this ain't.
Indyfreak - wrote on 11/10/22
Directed by the writer behind the 'SCREAM' franchise, one could see the potential with this film as a satire of high school or the profession of teaching. Much that edge lies with Helen Mirren's smarmy performance as the title character. She's every student's worst nightmare w/o lifting a finger. Mirren is leagues above the material but she gives it a much needed weight that feels menacing without mugging the camera too much. And not gonna lie, she's got this 'Mrs Robinson' thing going on that is kind of hot.
It's too bad the rest of the movie plays it safe for the most part. There is a recurring bit with a crossbow that is pretty funny. Echoing a similar group dynamic in the 'SCREAM' movies, Katie Holmes is the Neve Campbell of the movie except she's less interesting. Barry Watson is just some bad boy stolen from every John Hughes movie ever. Marisa Coughlan (who it seems never hit it big) is actually the best out of the young cast. She's funny or plays it dumb when needed. And she's more sympathetic than her costars.
The movie is pretty short too. I wonder if there were pieces missing in the editing room. It has moments that are pretty funny and Helen Mirren is having a blast. But it's nowhere near as dark or edgy as it wants to be. It should had been rated R.
