Customer Reviews

The Principal

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this wonderful reworking of Hawks' Rio Bravo, Belushi takes on both the role of the sheriff and of the drunk. This is the best of all of the 1980s faculty vs. evil student movies. Belushi towers in this film, giving a wondeful leading man performance which should have forever brought him out from under his brother's shadow. The film, like a lot of Hawks films, has the main characters trapped in a building and having to fight their ways out. Morales, Gosset and Rae Dawn give strong support. Though director's Cain's Young Guns was his most popular film on the decade, this was clearly his best.

So then why do I only give 3 stars? Well, for one the movie was not as long as I hoped it would be and I also didn't care too much for the abrupt ending. Despite all that The Principal is probably the most realistic story of a man who even though has serious difficulty turning a trashy high school into a somewhat safer learning environment, manages to slowly succeed while firmly enforcing his rules. I wouldn't be surprised if this movie was based on a true story. I've seen movies like this such as Lean on Me, Dangerous Minds, High School High, and the Substitute but The Principal is the most realistic (not to mention more entertaining) film of the "Teacher vs. dangerous schools" scenario and I never seem to tire of it.

This is one of if not the best of James Belushi's movies. I love watching the 'teacher fix a school' kind of movie like The Substitute, Dangerous minds, Lean on Me because I relate to the difficult task a teacher or administrator is charged with in U.S. school systems. The Principal does utilize some of the typical cliche's such as the 'main man bad guy' or 'out of control students' but it's done in such a way it's fun to watch. Both Lou Gossett jr. and Rae Dawn Chong give excellent supporting roll performances. The Principal is about a teacher who goes and has gone through some tough personal battles (ex wife he still loves, turns to drink, etc) and it treats us to an inside look at a man who's just trying to get through and do his job. He's (belushi), offerred the job as Principal at a school (Surprise!) and the rest of the movie follows him through his, the school, the students, and faculty's learning process. In many ways The Principal is the best of the 4 or 5 good 'teacher movies' out there.

He is the princpal at the worst High School in the area. And the students get raped, beatten, everyone is smoking or taking somthing.
All he asks is no more! Great movie........

The Principle is a riviting, edge of your seat kind of movie. It was well written, and the actors do their part very well. It goes to show that not all kids are bad, some are just in bad situations. If someone cares enough to help, it can go a long way in improving someone's life. This is a must see movie.

Following an arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct, schoolteacher Belushi is transferred to the worst school in the district and designated the new principal. Except for some halfhearted support from some of the faculty and a few students, he's all on his own. That sets the tone of the story, because most of the student body is out to get him. Louis Gossett Jr. is solid as the school security guard, and so is Rae Dawn Chong as a teacher that Belushi is able to make headway with. The fine performances and some gripping tension lift this above some of the other "violent youthgang" movies.

I just saw this movie today on FX and damn...it's badass. I had never even heard of it until seeing promos for it the past couple of days, and I've got to give props. [...]

The auditorium scene is great...Belushi lets the students know that "The Principal" is in charge.

Jim Belushi certainly has made a contribution to prime time television but this movie proves his dramatic abilities.He stands up against the drug dealers in his school.. First rate acting and a good story. Must see for everyone!

I recall watching this movie 3 times in my life before finnaly putting up money to buy it.

This movie is not a typical 80's but is a drama in away and a action flick in a way but it keeps you watching.

The movie is your typical run down druken teacher sent to a run down typical gang infested school to be the principal but what is not typical is how two words "No More!" Echo and it seems to drive the line between those who want to try and those who want to hurt.

This movie has a great cast including the "Gang" members and when all is said and done your cheering for the "Good Guys" To beat "The Bad Guys" and in all it end's with "No more".

This movie dose have alot of cursing, some strong Violence, and some images that would disturbe the children it earns it's R rating. But for us adults check it out you don't offten get to see this stuff now days...

The Principal is a good movie for the cost. It sure would be wonderful if it was reality but unfortunately not.