Underground cult classic is one of the greatest vengeance thrillers of the 70's and simply one of the best youth-violence films ever!
Newcomer to a California high school doesn't like the fact that a gang of bullies is ruling the students and when he is attacked he strikes back big time! But, that's only the beginning.
Massacre at Central High is a low-budget dated film, but it is also an outstanding thriller with some excellent social commentary. It explores the themes of power, control, sexual rage, and social unrest among a body of very normal-looking teenagers, which makes it all the more a striking tale. It also strongly recalls the fear of every high school student, being an outcast and not having control of one's life. The plot of the film is engulfing, laced with violence, and given some nicely off-beat twists that keep the tale compelling through out. It ends with an explosive finale, literally.
The youthful cast is excellent in this film. Derrel Maury does a terrific turn as a seemingly normal youth. The always enjoyable Andrew Stevens is sympathetic as a popular teen drawn into Maury's plight. Kimberly Beck isn't bad as Steven's girlfriend. Robert Carradine is good as a hippie teen, desperate to see change. Ray Underwood is strong in his role as the bullying gang leader.
Massacre at Central High has become some what lost over the years, but certainly not because it isn't an effectively powerful film! It is a terrific multi-layered tale that well transcends its 'cheap horror' appearance to be a film with a strong universal message. See it!
**** out of ****
Newcomer to a California high school doesn't like the fact that a gang of bullies is ruling the students and when he is attacked he strikes back big time! But, that's only the beginning.
Massacre at Central High is a low-budget dated film, but it is also an outstanding thriller with some excellent social commentary. It explores the themes of power, control, sexual rage, and social unrest among a body of very normal-looking teenagers, which makes it all the more a striking tale. It also strongly recalls the fear of every high school student, being an outcast and not having control of one's life. The plot of the film is engulfing, laced with violence, and given some nicely off-beat twists that keep the tale compelling through out. It ends with an explosive finale, literally.
The youthful cast is excellent in this film. Derrel Maury does a terrific turn as a seemingly normal youth. The always enjoyable Andrew Stevens is sympathetic as a popular teen drawn into Maury's plight. Kimberly Beck isn't bad as Steven's girlfriend. Robert Carradine is good as a hippie teen, desperate to see change. Ray Underwood is strong in his role as the bullying gang leader.
Massacre at Central High has become some what lost over the years, but certainly not because it isn't an effectively powerful film! It is a terrific multi-layered tale that well transcends its 'cheap horror' appearance to be a film with a strong universal message. See it!
**** out of ****