Opened: December 25, 1998

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

Starring: Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Salma Hayek, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Christopher McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Jon Stewart, Usher, Daniel von Bargen, Elijah Wood, Summer Phoenix & Jon Abrahams

If The Faculty feels like a more sci-fi version of the Scream films, don’t be surprised as it was written by Scream’s screenwriter Kevin Williamson.

After Casey Connor (Elijah Wood) notices the faculty of his school acting strange, he and Delilah Profitt (Jordana Brewster) witness two teachers attacking Nurse Harper (Salma Hayek). As more staff and students’ personalities change, a group of teens realizes their school is under an alien attack.

While the film has some weird parts that feel overly intense, there are some great scenes and performances. The opening following Principal Drake (Bebe Neuwirth) getting assaulted by Coach Willis (Robert Patrick) is a grade A horror scene.

The CGI aliens look fake – especially in the scene with Miss Burke’s (Famke Janssen) fate – but the animatronic ones allow for more realism.

Final say: An underrated ‘90s horror. ★★★★☆