Masterminds (1997)

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

Director:

Roger Christian

Writers:

Floyd Byars (story), Alex Siskin (story),

Stars:

Patrick Stewart, Vincent Kartheiser, Brenda Fricker

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Patrick Stewart	...	Bentley
Vincent Kartheiser	...	Ozzie
Brenda Fricker	...	Principal Maloney
Bradley Whitford	...	Miles (as Brad Whitford)
Matt Craven	...	Jake
Annabelle Gurwitch	...	Helen
Jon Abrahams	...	K-Dog
Katie Stuart	...	Melissa
Michael MacRae	...	Deroy
Callum Keith Rennie	...	Ollie
Earl Pastko	...	Captain Jankel
Jason Schombing	...	Marvin
Michael David Simms	...	Colonel Duke
David-Paul Grove	...	Ferret (as David Paul Grove)
Akiko Morison	...	Janet

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.

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Plot Keywords:

rebellious teenager | hostage | ransom | air duct | bomb | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Action | Thriller | Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence included in a children hostage situation, and for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 August 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Smart Alec

Filming Locations:

Hatley Castle, Royal Roads, Colwood, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

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

Gross:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Dunlevy Pictures, Pacific Motion Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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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")

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Quotes

Ozzie: Enjoy the show, Maloney.

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Connections

References Die Hard (1988)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Why isn't this on DVD?

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!