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Masterminds (1997)

4.9
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Ratings: 4.9/10 from 2,211 users  
Reviews: 31 user | 23 critic

Trapped in a school which a gang of criminals has siezed control, a young troublemaker fights a cat and mouse battle from inside.

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(story), (story), 2 more credits »
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Title: Masterminds (1997)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Bentley
...
Ozzie
...
Principal Maloney
...
Miles (as Brad Whitford)
...
Jake
...
Helen
...
K-Dog
...
Melissa
Michael MacRae ...
Deroy
...
Ollie
Earl Pastko ...
Captain Jankel
...
Marvin
Michael David Simms ...
Colonel Duke
...
Ferret (as David Paul Grove)
Akiko Morison ...
Janet
Edit

Storyline

Oz, a rebellious teenager who just got expelled from his preppy school returns for one final prank. But as he goes to the basement to set things up, he stumbles upon a security consultant, former school employee, that just took the entire school hostage for millions in ransom. Oz must rely on his youth and love for pranks to outwit the devious criminal mastermind. Written by Steve Richer <sricher@sympatico.ca>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

The criminal mastermind of the century just met his match...


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence included in a children hostage situation, and for language | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

22 August 1997 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Smart Alec  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$1,014,606 (USA) (22 August 1997)

Gross:

$1,890,472 (USA) (5 September 1997)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| (8 channels)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
Edit

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film made only £76 on it's UK cinema release, making it the lowest box office taking of 1998. See more »

Goofs

When Oz is looking for the 'entrance' to the program, one of the messages is "You are committing a federal offence" (should be "offense") See more »

Quotes

Ozzie: Enjoy the show, Maloney.
See more »

Connections

References Die Hard (1988) See more »

Soundtracks

"Too Close To Hate"
Written and Performed by Sevendust
Courtesy of TVT Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

Why isn't this on DVD?
11 May 2003 | by See all my reviews

I was one of the few who saw this movie in the theater back in '97. It really made me a fan of Vincent Kartheiser.

This movie is largely recommended for fans of either Kartheiser or Patrick Stewart, and it's surprising that there hasn't been a DVD release (that I've found). Both actors have a huge amount of screen time, and the movie itself looks great visually.

Stewart really camps it up, and appears to have had fun playing "Rafe" as an over-the-top villain. Sometimes the performance goes a little too over, though. Kartheiser did the best he could with the stereotyped "bad boy" image. I thought at first he seemed a little old for the role, but as the movie progressed I couldn't see anyone else in the part.

The movie has been compared to "Toy Soldiers", and also dubbed "Die Hard, Jr." While these elements do seem strong in the movie (plus the need for things to go KABOOM!), it doesn't seem to ruin the fun. Just check reality at the door and not worry about the details.

Could it have been better? Yes. Is it unwatchable? No. Will the adults like it? Maybe (fans of anyone in it especially).

Did I mention I really want this on DVD? Please!


23 of 24 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Why no DVD saywhat_now
Reasons to see it Whitneeblink182
This movie is a remake for kids!! Zerpid
the song matthewdski21-2
why the *beep* did patrick stewart do this movie? Mr_Prowse
Needs a DVD starfyre-
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