Nothing new under sun, as "The Principal" could be seen as a more aggressively modern "Blackboard Jungle" inspiration (which it could possibly have done the same for "Dangerous Minds") amongst a urban ghetto backdrop. You could also say its like "Class of 1984", only less trashier and explicit with the action and cleaning out. John Belushi (an effectively imposing turn balancing the dry humour with a serious side) stars as a teacher Rick Latimer who's life is falling apart and an brutal act involving his ex-wife and new lover, sees him being offered (though there's no real choice to it) a new position as principal at a school that's over-run by drugs, violence and gangs who don't have education on their minds. So he goes about making changes, but a certain drug dealer Victor Duncan (a superbly lethal Michael Wright) sees this as a threat and goes on to make it hell. But Latimer doesn't cave in and soon finds an ally in janitor Jake Phillips (a tough performance by Lou Gossett Jr.)
The formulaic story (which at times can get preachy) seems to be fuelled by such topics as crime, racism and talent untapped in what Belushi's strong-minded character transforms, as he might be in over his head however his got nothing to lose. He takes it on the chin, and tries to build upon the foundation than letting it slide despite the scoffing and violence targeted at him. Director Christopher Cain does a polished job with his forward handling, but never letting it loose focus on the raw and brutal side of things. Crisp, but explosively high octane. Surprisingly it was more intense and action-oriented than I was expecting. The encounters involving Latimer and Victor coming to blows in what was a power tussle for control and dominance was always gripping in the scheme of things. Performances are well-guided with some other familiar faces in Rae Dawn Chong, Esai Morales and Jacob Vargas. Also throughout we get some drowning 80s tunes spliced throughout to evoke spirit and grit.
The formulaic story (which at times can get preachy) seems to be fuelled by such topics as crime, racism and talent untapped in what Belushi's strong-minded character transforms, as he might be in over his head however his got nothing to lose. He takes it on the chin, and tries to build upon the foundation than letting it slide despite the scoffing and violence targeted at him. Director Christopher Cain does a polished job with his forward handling, but never letting it loose focus on the raw and brutal side of things. Crisp, but explosively high octane. Surprisingly it was more intense and action-oriented than I was expecting. The encounters involving Latimer and Victor coming to blows in what was a power tussle for control and dominance was always gripping in the scheme of things. Performances are well-guided with some other familiar faces in Rae Dawn Chong, Esai Morales and Jacob Vargas. Also throughout we get some drowning 80s tunes spliced throughout to evoke spirit and grit.