FirstWitch
A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
Roman Sampson
One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Kaelan Mccaffrey
Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
Arlis Fuson
I have seen a lot of films similar to this from Stand and Deliver to Substitute to Dangerous Minds, but this one was pretty good and I liked it.A New York teacher is stabbed by a gang member because he failed him, so he relocates to L.A. and becomes a sub. There he finds its chocked full of gang members as well. He tries to make a difference, but sees that some of these kids are making it difficult so he becomes a vigilante and wipes out one and tortures others. The kids retaliate and although he helps some students, ultimately its questionable as to whether or not his methods were worth it.The production was pretty good and it was basic, yet it all seemed to somehow stand out from the rest. The acting was great Samuel L. Jackson was perfect for the role, he is one of the coolest actors ever, and it was nice to see him acting scared and being more human and realistic as opposed to being all Bad A**. I thought Method Man did good in his first film too.It's not a gang movie, its a drama about problems being faced in areas that have many gang members. It's always a nice topic to discuss and make people take notice of. A lot of the problems in these areas in and out of the classrooms have to do with the fact many of these kids cant get the educations they need and deserve.I recommend it it to anyone wanting a good drama..4 out of 10 stars..
Spikeopath
Teacher Trevor Garfield survives a stabbing by a student, moving from New York to Los Angeles, with a different perspective on life, he resumes teaching as a substitute. But Trevor finds that the same old problems still persist, only now he's going to do things his way......One Eight Seven, directed by Kevin Reynolds {The Count of Monte Cristo} and starring as its lead, Samuel L. Jackson {Pulp Fiction}, is another in a long line of teacher and unruly students based plotters. Trace a line from Blackboard Jungle to The Principal, to Class Of 1984, The Substitute, Dangerous Minds and you get the picture. It's a shame then that as a formula, it's now looking a bit frayed around the edges. Because Reynolds' film does have a couple of things up its sleeve with which to make it a time worthy viewing.Firstly there is Samuel L. Jackson himself. By his own admission, he's someone who will work for food. However he is capable of the odd flash of excellence, regardless the quality of film he is appearing in. He may be adored by the MTV generation for stints in Tarrantino pulpers, but it's with film's like Changing Lanes, and this here Reynolds piece, that he really puts down his marker of ability. As Garfield he is asked to go thru a character makeover during the story, not complex as such, but in a sanity breaking point kind of way. Something that Jackson really gets to grips with and in spite of the bad acting around him {shame shame casting director}. Secondly is the ending itself. No it's not shattering in the pantheon of genre pieces emotionally, but on the intelligence scale it scores rather high. We may have been fed a pre-empt earlier in the piece, but the outcome is no less dramatic for it. Some standard genre stereotyping causes a roll of the eyes, and pet peril and sexy teacher under threat is a touch too tiresome for the older, experienced viewer. But this one deserves a better reputation because it at least tries to offer something different. It doesn't succeed across the board, oh no, but at least it's got enough about it to roll its credits knowing at least it tried to veer away from its genre restraints..and it's got Sammy Jackson on prime form. 7/10
lastliberal
I have spent the last year working to get my teaching certificate. Watching this movie makes me wonder if I really want to keep going.Teaching in the inner city is a dangerous profession. Yes, I imagine there are a lot of teachers like Dave (John Heard) who are just in it for the money.I can understand why someone like Trevor (Samuel L. Jackson) can give up on the dream.Watching this film will cause you to question just what the limits are and whether you can deal with them. It was a strong performance by Jackson.
Lucien Lessard
An dedicated science teacher Trevor Garfield (Samuel L. Jackson) nearly dies from the attack by a student in New York City. Garfield decides after the near-fatal attack to move to Los Angeles. But Garfield finds himself in the same situation but possibility much worse. Since Garfield has problems with a ruthless student (Clifton Gonzalez Gonzalez) and his gang. Garfield decides to take justice into his own hands. While things gets out of hand for his sake.Directed by Kevin Reynolds (The Count of Monte Cristo "2002", Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves, Waterworld) made an fascinating drama with intense performances by Jackson and Gonzalez (Now credited as Clifton Collins Jr.). The film features good supporting roles by John Heard, Kelly Rowan and Karina Arroyave. This provocative movie was an box office disappointment in the summer of 1997. But it went on to be a cult film. This is a hard hitting drama you soon won't forget. Stylishly photography by Ericson Core (Daredevil, The Fast and the Furious, Payback). Written by a then real-life teacher:Scott Yagemann. (****/*****).
