Web posted on:
Monday, December 28, 1998 2:49:59 PM EST

From CNN Interactive Sr. Editor Dave Rickett

Jump ahead:

• Compared to "'Scream'
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers '98
• Is the alien worth it?
• Still, it's a fun movie

(CNN) -- First let me answer the big question: Is "The Faculty" as solid as other Kevin Williamson-scribed hits such as "Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," and "Dawson's Creek?" In a word, no.

The clever genre-wide self-awareness captured so well by "Scream" is lacking for the most part -- but I'm sure Williamson is tired of everything he touches being compared to "Scream," so we'll stop here.

"The Faculty" could almost be named "Invasion of the Body Snatchers '98" -- and the movie goes out of its way to let you know that. Sure, there's a little bit of "The Thing" in there, mixed with the episode of "Star Trek" in which Khan plants a parasite in Chekov's ear, and even a dash of "The Breakfast Club." But for the most part, the plot sticks to the body-snatcher theme, with the inhabitants of a small town slowly being transformed into complaisant hosts by alien beings. Nothing new here, just prettier people.

If you don't want to know what the alien looks like, skip to the next part.

This monster is sort of similar to the big squid thing in "Deep Rising," but not as big. It has a fish head with big, razor-sharp teeth and tentacles, both big and threadlike. That's the mama alien. It also comes complete with little baby aliens that wiggle their way into a host's ear and take control of his or her body.

The special effects aren't bad, but it leaves you wanting to see a lot more of them. If you haven't seen the creature in "Deep Rising," I'd check that one out before seeing this movie.

Chances are, if you go to see this movie, you're not in it for intellectual stimulation. The opening sequence that introduces each of the characters to us is one of the best parts of the movie -- try to pay close attention, there's a lot going on there.

If you don't expect a lot from it, sit back and enjoy the dialogue, the good-looking characters and the special effects, you should have a good time.

THE OFFICIAL SITE:
http://207.87.23.72/channels/one/faculty/home/

This fairly standard movie Web site offers character info, downloads and games.

Both "Students" and "Faculty" sections provide a look at the actors and the characters they play. "Dress Code" is basically a big ad for Tommy Hilfiger and his role in "dressing a movie." "AV Lab" lets you watch the trailer, behind the scenes clips, and other multimedia features. "Downloads" is chock-full of JPEG images from the movie. "Fun & Games" has details about a sequel game. "Soundtrack" lets you listen to audio files from many of the artists on the movie track.

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