Class of 1984
We are the future! And Nothing Can Stop Us.
Drug Dealing. Gang Beatings. Prostitution.
They're all part of a typical day for the students of Lincoln High. Into this academic abyss arrives Andy Norris (Slaughterhouse Five's Perry King), an idealistic and naive music teacher who has moved into the community with his pregnant wife Diane. Appalled by the crime-infested school, Norris soon crosses sabers with its teenage kingpin, the shrewd and sadistic Peter Stegman (The White Shadow's Timothy Van Patten). With Norris setting his sights on reforming Stegman, and the young miscreant declaring war on his teacher, the duo sets a fateful showdown into motion on the night of an important school orchestra performance.
Directed and co-written by Mark L. Lester (Commando, Firestarter), Class of 1984 is one of the seminal cult movies of the early 1980s. While its vision of a decaying, violence-plagued inner city school seemed over-the-top in 1982, it sadly prophesized the future of American education. Lester's film - which caused a stir at Cannes and reputedly offended one of its own screenwriters - is also notable for its cast, which includes Van Patten, Roddy McDowall and a very young Michael J. Fox. Alice Cooper performs the theme song, "I Am The Future". No longer are the students of Lincoln High the future, for the future as arrived!
Member Reviews
When does a dream become a nightmare - RyeStye
From the opening Alice Cooper track, I knew I was in for something special. From the horrendous opening track, we move into a thoroughly enjoyable cameo by Teenage Head. Roddy McDowell gives an excellent performence and Timothy Van Patten is both shocking and hilarious at the same time. Throw in a chubby Michael Fox before he was Michael J. and you've got a movie worth watching. The documentary addition to the DVD provides a very amusing prophetic type claim by the director, who believes society has failed to heed his warning regarding the dangers of violence in schools. To appease the director, watch the movie, find the local school bully, and start up the table saw. Only that way will we be free from the terror of the future. Be prepared to think a little, laugh alot, and be fully entertained for the hour and half of this deserving cult classic.Good, ultra violent 80s flick - XTRUClerk
it had been a long, LONG time since I'd seen this film. I remember it was one of those early movies we rented when the VHS revolution was just starting back in the early 80s. For some reason it was one of those titles that all the brand new video rental stores had (among their whopping selecting of 40 or 50 titles!). Certain scenes stay with you, like the massacre of all the animals in the biology lab or the student being thrown onto a table saw (i just got one of those table saws myself and I can never look at it without thinking of that scene!). Other details faded in the 20 years since I'd seen it, and as it started I was afraid that it was going to turn out to be one of those films that has not aged well. I was wrong. By the middle of the movie it turned into the ultra edgy, ultra violent film I remembered. "On the edge of your seat" seems to be the kind of cliche invented for this film. I had no idea Roddy McDowell was in this movie and it was a pleasant surprise, he pretty much steals the show as a teacher holding his class hostage (they will learn one way or another!). Also suprising was the Alice Cooper song at the start. This was a good trip down memory lane and a good film overall. Definately not for the squeamish though. have a look.Lean On Me? Nope - Mr._Monster
Anyone expecting Class of 1984 to be anything like Lean On Me or any of the immitators that followed it are in for quite a surprise. Class of 1984 takes the basic premise of good guy teacher confronts ruffians in a bad school and turns it into an exploitation gem. The acting is excellent, including a very young Michael J. Fox, the story moves along nicely, and the film comes to the obligatory shocking ending. Very highly recommended.
Member Reviews
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When does a dream become a nightmare - RyeStye
From the opening Alice Cooper track, I knew I was in for something special. From the horrendous opening track, we move into a thoroughly enjoyable cameo by Teenage Head. Roddy McDowell gives an excellent performence and Timothy Van Patten is both shocking ...Good, ultra violent 80s flick - XTRUClerk
it had been a long, LONG time since I'd seen this film. I remember it was one of those early movies we rented when the VHS revolution was just starting back in the early 80s. For some reason it was one of those titles that all the brand new video rental ...Lean On Me? Nope - Mr._Monster
Anyone expecting Class of 1984 to be anything like Lean On Me or any of the immitators that followed it are in for quite a surprise. Class of 1984 takes the basic premise of good guy teacher confronts ruffians in a bad school and turns it into an exploitation ...