The 1980s were a bit of a let down after the 1970s for exploitation fans, but there were a few gems released alongside the 'Risky Business's and 'Mr.Mom's. 'Chained Heat' and 'The Exterminator' immediately spring to mind, and 'Class Of 1984' is another. This movie has got it all - a cheesy theme sung by Alice Cooper, a high school terrorized by drug dealing punks, a classic sequence where a square student, high on something or other, decides to salute the flag... at the top of the flagpole... plus a bit with rabbits which I won't spoil. TV regular Perry King, no stranger to exploitation movies (see 'Mandingo'), plays a new and idealistic music teacher. He is befriended by another teacher, the cynical secret drinker Roddy McDowall ('Planet Of The Apes'), who tries to wise him up. Future 'Sopranos' writer/director Timothy Van Patten plays Stegman who sells drugs to his classmates, and leads a ruthless gang of hoods. When King tries to break Stegman's hold on the school he enters into a world of pain. This is a silly but hugely entertaining pile of trash. Be sure to keep an eye out for Michael J. Fox in one of his earliest roles, as a horn playing dweeb. Director Mark Lester eventually made a sequel in name only 'Class Of 1999', but it was disappointing and silly sci fi nonsense about robot teachers. I can't recommend that one but 'Class Of 1984' is classic beer'n'pizza material that will be enjoyed by any fans of nasty b-grade exploitation.
100 Reviews
maybe my favorite b-grade film of all time...
SWANKSTAR200025 August 2001
wonderful and amusing punk rock version of the teen gang movie. when new teacher andy norris (perry king) arrives at lincoln high, he unwittingly pits himself against a gang of punks led by the legendary timothy van patton (who shocks the audience with a beautiful self-written piano solo). as norris continues to investigate the punks' behavior, he finds himself and his wife caught up in violent world of high school brutality. some of the best and worst moments in video history are caught within the action-packed 93 minutes. absolutely fantastic cult film, deserves many, many viewings...
Class of 1984 is a Cult Classic
eibon096 March 2000
Class of 1984 (1982) is an entertaining and thought-provoking combination of the Vigilante and High School Drama flick. The film describes the punks as the next generation of important people. It was done as a reworking of Blackboard Jungle (it is much better than Cruel Intentions and more gutsy). Class of 1984 (1982) is an errie movie because the depiction of unsafe Urban high schools, metal detectors at schools, and security guards would be a reality eight years later in many high school cities. It is a courageous movie that isn't afraid to deal with important issues. Class of 1984 (1982) will be noted for the appearance of Michael J. Fox known in the credits as Michael Fox.
One of the greatest exploitation movies of all time
fertilecelluloid8 February 2006
Rape, gory violence, great villains, a killer signature song from Alice Cooper ("I Am The Future"), and solid performances from genre vets such as Perry King ("Mandingo", "Search and Destroy") and Roddy McDowell equal one of the greatest exploitation films of all time. King starts work at a crime-ridden school and is targeted by a nasty gang led by the disturbed, spoiled, vicious, gifted youth Stegman (Timothy Van Patten). Not able to ignore the non-stop assaults and abuse of other teachers and students, King wages a nasty war with Stegman and his goons and, in the process, endangers both his own life and the life of his wife. Director Mark Lester, who was handed the "Commando" gig after the surprise international success of this pic, never made another movie as tight, violent and dramatically coherent. It is a textbook example of how to do exploitation right. In addition to the mean-spirited mayhem, there are other special treats such as a moving scene in which the arrogant Stegman sits at a piano and plays like a maestro in front of his stunned class and teacher. Actor Van Patten, who gives a believable, knock-out performance, actually composed and played the piece himself. Michael J. Fox plays a nerdy student ally of King's, and McDowell, always reliable, is great as a teaching veteran pummeled into submission by decades of classroom violence. The film carried a prophetic message back in the early 80's when it was made, and it's a message that is even more appropriate today in our politically correct times where teachers have no power to discipline students and students have every right at their disposal and know it. The film's climax is explosive and Lester never lets a gory opportunity pass him by. A classic in every sense.
Very, very violent revenge thriller. You might want to hate this film, but in a totally immoral way it's undeniably compelling.
barnabyrudge17 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Class of 1984 is a calculatedly unpleasant revenge thriller. It's the kind of film that any viewer with a shred of moral dignity will expect to hate.... but the film is surprisingly well acted and, in its ruthless and unrelenting way, very compelling. The depiction of life in a rough-as-hell high school is somewhat grim and unbelievable, and the dialogue often rings rather false. However, Class of 1984 exists as an exploitation revenger, so in many ways it's pointless to try to judge it on a deeper level. As exploitation revengers go, this one delivers.
Music teacher Andrew Norris (Perry King of "The Choirboys" and "Mandingo" - a bit of an exploitation veteran) arrives at the Abraham Lincoln High School as a substitute member-of-staff. Pretty soon, he realises that he's just taken on a position at one of the roughest, toughest schools in the world. The school is in a grip of fear due to relentless bullying, intimidation and drug dealing under a gang of misfits led by Peter Stegman (Timothy Van Patten). However, Andrew refuses to be intimidated by Stegman and his cronies. Consequently, Stegman resorts to increasingly violent and threatening courses of action in his attempts to victimise the teacher, until Andrew finally snaps and dishes out his own brand of discipline.
I really, really wanted to deplore this film. I'm a teacher myself, for Christ's sake!! Films which glorify violent schools and sadistic pupils generally tend to annoy me because they send out a completely immoral message to impressionable viewers. Amazingly, I actually found Class of 1984 to be an OK film. Most performances in it are good - King as the teacher trying to control unruly students is agreeable; Van Patten oozes menace as a psychopathic bully; and Roddy McDowall quickly overcomes what seems to be miscasting to deliver a great performance as an alcoholic biology teacher on the brink of a breakdown. But the film succeeds best in its unashamed audience manipulation - by the end, even the most lenient and tolerant of viewers will cheer on Andrew Norris as he goes on his Death Wish-style revenge spree. This film will never win any awards for subtlety, but within its genre it is a significant entry.
Music teacher Andrew Norris (Perry King of "The Choirboys" and "Mandingo" - a bit of an exploitation veteran) arrives at the Abraham Lincoln High School as a substitute member-of-staff. Pretty soon, he realises that he's just taken on a position at one of the roughest, toughest schools in the world. The school is in a grip of fear due to relentless bullying, intimidation and drug dealing under a gang of misfits led by Peter Stegman (Timothy Van Patten). However, Andrew refuses to be intimidated by Stegman and his cronies. Consequently, Stegman resorts to increasingly violent and threatening courses of action in his attempts to victimise the teacher, until Andrew finally snaps and dishes out his own brand of discipline.
I really, really wanted to deplore this film. I'm a teacher myself, for Christ's sake!! Films which glorify violent schools and sadistic pupils generally tend to annoy me because they send out a completely immoral message to impressionable viewers. Amazingly, I actually found Class of 1984 to be an OK film. Most performances in it are good - King as the teacher trying to control unruly students is agreeable; Van Patten oozes menace as a psychopathic bully; and Roddy McDowall quickly overcomes what seems to be miscasting to deliver a great performance as an alcoholic biology teacher on the brink of a breakdown. But the film succeeds best in its unashamed audience manipulation - by the end, even the most lenient and tolerant of viewers will cheer on Andrew Norris as he goes on his Death Wish-style revenge spree. This film will never win any awards for subtlety, but within its genre it is a significant entry.
Revenge of the 80's: I am the future! High school schlock returns!
Captain_Couth15 October 2003
Class of 1984(1982) is trash at it's best. Punk kids running the schools, driving the teachers crazy. An idealistic teacher (Perry King) tries to change all that. But like all people who share his ideals in movies, they always run into a couple of bad eggs. This time "Teacher" has several of them,and their leader (Timothy Van Patten) who enjoys making the faculty go crazy. Everyone except "Teacher", he's from the "there's no such thing as a bad kid" school of thought. Boy, is he wrong. When those two bump heads, it's show time!! Over the top acting and mugging coupled with huge amounts of sleaze and bloody, bone crunching scrapping makes this one a winner. Check out the very young and pudgy Michael J. Fox! Roddy McDowall co-stars as a teacher who's seen way too much. One scene from this classic was shamelessly ripped off in 21 Jump Street!?
Highly recommended for cult fans.
Highly recommended for cult fans.
The Replacement Teacher
claudio_carvalho12 April 2019
On the arrival as a replacement music teacher in a dangerous high school, Andrew Norris (Perry King) befriends his colleague Terry Corrigan (Roddy McDowall). The veteran teacher advises Andrew to overlook what the students do, but Andrew clashes with the seventeen year-old delinquent Peter Stegman (Timothy Van Patten), who is the leader of a violent gang that deals with drugs and prostitution and intimidate the other students. While trying to get evidence to arrest Stegman, Andrew organizes an orchestra with talented students. But the reaction of Stegman and his gangsters put in danger Andrew and his pregnant wife Diane Norris (Merrie Lynn Ross).
"Class of 1984" is a 1982 film that foresees the situation of many schools in the present day. The violence in the early 80´s seemed to be exaggerated but unfortunately has become reality. The performances are believable and the conclusion is satisfactory. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Os Donos do Amanhã" ("The Owners of Tomorrow")
"Class of 1984" is a 1982 film that foresees the situation of many schools in the present day. The violence in the early 80´s seemed to be exaggerated but unfortunately has become reality. The performances are believable and the conclusion is satisfactory. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Os Donos do Amanhã" ("The Owners of Tomorrow")
when does a dream become a night mare
movieman_kev11 June 2005
Andrew Norris (Perry King) is a new teacher from Nebreska who has a run-in with the local toughs when he refuses to just look the other way like fellow teacher, Terry (Roddy McDowell) warns him to do. When the gang target his students (including a young Micheal J. Fox) as well as his pregnant wife, he has to take matters into his own hands. This b-movie from the '80's is amazingly great from the highly catchy Alice Cooper sung 'I Am the Future' to the many memorable quotes to the over the top ending. This is just a great piece of cinema and an '80's classic. Timothy Van Patton is a great foil as the leader of the gang. I VERY eagerly await the special edition DVD that's coming at the end of the summer.
My Grade: A
Eye Candy: Helena Quinton shows EVERYthing
My Grade: A
Eye Candy: Helena Quinton shows EVERYthing
An absorbing piece of exploitation.
gridoon21 December 2001
"Death Wish" meets "The Blackboard Jungle" in this brutal, increasingly violent thriller. If I were to judge it from a strictly objective point of view, I'd have to be very negative - it's a totally exploitative piece of work. But there is something inherently absorbing about this movie, and you simply can't take your eyes off it. Its 93 minutes pass like a breeze, and for that alone it probably deserves two stars. Has pretty good acting, too.
Brutally honest, king of the 80's high school punk scene
ryan_hillier197920 January 2006
King of the 80's high school punk scene. Where is Timothy Van Patten? According to the the site (imdb)he's done some directing but I thought he kicked ass as the gangs leader Stegman, a chilling and mesmerizes performance in my book. While Perry King gave me a good look at a teacher just trying to get through to these disturbed teens while fighting for his life at the same time. Not like Sam Jackson in "187" but still a good teacher. My personal favorite is when Roddy McDowell holds up his biology class at gunpoint after the gang kills his beloved pets. Personally I think this is an important movie.
Thanks,
Ryan
Thanks,
Ryan
Violent and crude movie about a bunch of cruel teens who terrorize the entire school and a teacher seeks vengeance
ma-cortes18 November 2014
Strong as well as brutal entertainment , set in the near future , and dealing with Andy (Perry King , he was the first and only actor considered for the role) , a man happily married to a pregnant wife called Diane (Merrie Lynn Ross) . He is a new music teacher who has his own ideas of discipline . He goes to work at an inner city high school that is like nothing he has ever seen before , as he must face off a motley crew of adolescents in the classroom . Ring leader is a student psychopath (Timothy Van Patten) , a baddie who doesn't seem human , he leads his groupies on a reign of terror through the high school halls . Meanwhile , a teacher (Roddy MacDowall , though Dennis Weaver was originally offered the role but turned it down as being too violent, and this character was inspired by several true stories of school violence director had read about in papers) has brought a gun to class to control his students . There takes place some murders and a police inspector (Al Waxman) starts investigating with no results . The ominous group carries out a gang rape , then the music teacher pull off his vendetta leading to an ever higher body count . As a high school teacher determines to enforce law and order by using all kind of means , including torture and killing . Class of 1984 , is this the future?
Well-remembered violent school drama from the eighties in which teenager gangs terrorize the entire high school and surroundings executing crimes and murders at random . This nasty as well as thoughtless film contains thrills , chills , intense drama , high body count and lots of violence . In fact , due to the films violent content Lester had a difficult time getting a US distributor for the film, though overseas numerous distributors bought the film and made it quite successful abroad . Upset at the violent content after a screening, screenwriter Barry Schneider had his name taken off the credits as a screenwriter of the final film . This is a bloody and gory remake update of ¨Blackboard jungle¨ (1955) . Nice acting by Perry King as an idealistic teacher in a slum area who fights doggedly to dominate his unruly students . Special mention to Timothy Van Patten playing as one of the worst villains of the cinema history and a brief role by subsequently famous Michael J Fox . As nearly every shot of Timothy Van Patten is done from a low angle, to make him more threatening. The picture achieved great success and some theaters showed the film on double bill with 'The Road Warrior (1981)' . Evocative cinematography , though a perfect remastering is urgent . Director of photography Albert J. Dunk was hired by Mark L. Lester after Lester saw his work in the film Incubus (1981). Thrilling and creaking musical score by Lalo Schifrin with initial song by Alice Cooper . The motion picture was professionally directed by Mark L Lester, who he calls this his best film . Being shot in 45 days and he cited 'Clockwork Orange (1971)' as the films biggest influence .
The original picture dealing with a teacher fighting students and violent confrontation in the classroom was ¨Blackboard jungle¨ (1955) by Richard Brooks with Glenn Ford , Anne Francis , Louis Calhern , Sidney Poitier , Vic Morrow , Paul Mazurski ; it was followed by this ¨Class of 84¨ by Mark L Lester ; continued by ¨Class of 1999¨ by Mark Lester with Malcolm McDowell , Bradley Gregg , Tracy Lind , Stacy Keach , Pam Grier , Patrick Kilpatrick ; and another sequel titled ¨Class of 1992¨ by Spiro Razatos with Sasha Mitchell , Nick Cassavetes ,and Richard Hill .
Well-remembered violent school drama from the eighties in which teenager gangs terrorize the entire high school and surroundings executing crimes and murders at random . This nasty as well as thoughtless film contains thrills , chills , intense drama , high body count and lots of violence . In fact , due to the films violent content Lester had a difficult time getting a US distributor for the film, though overseas numerous distributors bought the film and made it quite successful abroad . Upset at the violent content after a screening, screenwriter Barry Schneider had his name taken off the credits as a screenwriter of the final film . This is a bloody and gory remake update of ¨Blackboard jungle¨ (1955) . Nice acting by Perry King as an idealistic teacher in a slum area who fights doggedly to dominate his unruly students . Special mention to Timothy Van Patten playing as one of the worst villains of the cinema history and a brief role by subsequently famous Michael J Fox . As nearly every shot of Timothy Van Patten is done from a low angle, to make him more threatening. The picture achieved great success and some theaters showed the film on double bill with 'The Road Warrior (1981)' . Evocative cinematography , though a perfect remastering is urgent . Director of photography Albert J. Dunk was hired by Mark L. Lester after Lester saw his work in the film Incubus (1981). Thrilling and creaking musical score by Lalo Schifrin with initial song by Alice Cooper . The motion picture was professionally directed by Mark L Lester, who he calls this his best film . Being shot in 45 days and he cited 'Clockwork Orange (1971)' as the films biggest influence .
The original picture dealing with a teacher fighting students and violent confrontation in the classroom was ¨Blackboard jungle¨ (1955) by Richard Brooks with Glenn Ford , Anne Francis , Louis Calhern , Sidney Poitier , Vic Morrow , Paul Mazurski ; it was followed by this ¨Class of 84¨ by Mark L Lester ; continued by ¨Class of 1999¨ by Mark Lester with Malcolm McDowell , Bradley Gregg , Tracy Lind , Stacy Keach , Pam Grier , Patrick Kilpatrick ; and another sequel titled ¨Class of 1992¨ by Spiro Razatos with Sasha Mitchell , Nick Cassavetes ,and Richard Hill .
Worth checking out again...
chas775 February 1999
I kinda hated this film when it first came out, thinking that it was unrealistic and ultra-violent, what with the metal detectors at the entrances to the high schools and depictions of punks, etc...little did I know. This film, a kind of update of "Blackboard Jungle" by way of "Clockwork Orange" and "Death Wish" is a fascinating look at an urban high school controlled by punk gang leader Stegman (Timothy Van Patten). Perry King plays the new music teacher, and he gives a decent performance. Roddy McDowell steals the show as the biology instructor. His best scene -- pointing a gun at his students and threatening to kill them if they get the wrong answer to a science question! This film is extremely well made, a classic b-movie that is first rate compared to junk like "The Faculty" or any of the other awful "I Know What you Did Last Summer" type of teen flicks out these days...
Fashionable Cult Classic, which doesn't shy away from its main purpose.
lost-in-limbo20 January 2006
A new music teacher Andry Norris arrives at Lincoln High, where most students have no respect for their fellow teachers and even to extent, each other. After being given advice from a fellow teacher to turn a blind eye to a ruthless gang, which seems to control the school with such ease, but Mr. Norris doesn't like the idea of that. So at any opportunity he gets, he tries to get Peter Stegman and his gang of thugs into trouble, which they seem to getaway with endlessly. But Mr. Norris doesn't know that getting in the way of Stegman means he and his wife will get a whole lot more than they bargain for.
Ca-ching! I definitely got my moneys worth on this B-grade, exploitation cult classic. Yeah I heard good things about this flick, but to be honest I wasn't expecting too much, but that's probably why I dug it even more. 'Class of 1984' is an ambitious but to the point project by writer/director Mark Lester. Plot wise it doesn't really hit home because its simple and just plain ludicrous, but it's the involving acts and performances, which do hold up, and makes for one hypnotic viewing. Forget about thinking that this is made in the 80's so this must be your usual teen flick of that decade, because it's FAR from it actually! There's no sugar coating sweetness in this flick. These devastating punks aren't the type of kids you want to bump into! And actually the shock is you'll be rooting for the teacher this time around.
I wouldn't be surprise if this were one of those video nasties, because this rip-snorting, welcoming unapologetic trash doesn't hold back on its exploitative context. Simply its unpleasant with its frequent violence and rough black humour and wit. Blatantly, that's what it's trying to do and it does remarkably well. Creating intense situations and shocks, like the disturbing scene involving rabbits and rape, helped out by the brutal violence but too it had wry sense of humour, which you couldn't help but snicker. Don't go into it expecting a deep background character study to what makes these kids tick, because here they just do! What we get is a satire on violence that leads to revenge. Also it takes a look at teacher and student relationship, and how it can turn around in an instance on who is the bad guy and who isn't. Especially since the teacher tries to do the things by the book, but he soon realises he can't win and has to walk the path of those brutes and turn into what despises to reach an outcome. What is scary is that the whole urban jungle nightmare in the school grounds isn't too far away from the truth nowadays. Mark Lester, Tom Holland and John Saxton came up with a competent dark screenplay that stacks up some over-the-edge surprises, but also involving and well-rounded characters, especially for this type of flick.
The violence is grisly and there are some neat gory slices of blood letting, which a lot seem to happen in the way-over-board climax, but I got a kick out of the ironic ending too, that goes well with what all always eventuates throughout. Exhilarating camera-work and snappy pacing also work a treat. The performances were hugely sensational. Perry King as Mr. Norris generally has interesting and appealing persona about him, that you'll be cheering on his character and the great Roddy McDowall turns in a professional performance, especially when that of his character finally cracks under the pressure. Timothy Van Patten is the star here as the cunningly vile Peter Stegman. His performance is simply memorable and that anger of his character is incredibly uneasy to watch. The maniac group just stirs the pot. And you got a supporting role from a gawky Michael Fox, yep there no J here. While some of those unsettling and offensive images stay in your, also you will have to cope with the catchy tune 'I am the future' by Alice Cooper. You get a dose during the beginning and then for the closing credits I couldn't get that damn song out of my head! It's cheesy but deliciously tasty. The bulletining rock soundtrack pounds out the tracks and the rumbling score is far than weak. Competently made but otherwise still holding a raw touch to it with its hard going tactics and thrills.
Riveting junk that's highly enjoyable. That's HIGHLY!
Ca-ching! I definitely got my moneys worth on this B-grade, exploitation cult classic. Yeah I heard good things about this flick, but to be honest I wasn't expecting too much, but that's probably why I dug it even more. 'Class of 1984' is an ambitious but to the point project by writer/director Mark Lester. Plot wise it doesn't really hit home because its simple and just plain ludicrous, but it's the involving acts and performances, which do hold up, and makes for one hypnotic viewing. Forget about thinking that this is made in the 80's so this must be your usual teen flick of that decade, because it's FAR from it actually! There's no sugar coating sweetness in this flick. These devastating punks aren't the type of kids you want to bump into! And actually the shock is you'll be rooting for the teacher this time around.
I wouldn't be surprise if this were one of those video nasties, because this rip-snorting, welcoming unapologetic trash doesn't hold back on its exploitative context. Simply its unpleasant with its frequent violence and rough black humour and wit. Blatantly, that's what it's trying to do and it does remarkably well. Creating intense situations and shocks, like the disturbing scene involving rabbits and rape, helped out by the brutal violence but too it had wry sense of humour, which you couldn't help but snicker. Don't go into it expecting a deep background character study to what makes these kids tick, because here they just do! What we get is a satire on violence that leads to revenge. Also it takes a look at teacher and student relationship, and how it can turn around in an instance on who is the bad guy and who isn't. Especially since the teacher tries to do the things by the book, but he soon realises he can't win and has to walk the path of those brutes and turn into what despises to reach an outcome. What is scary is that the whole urban jungle nightmare in the school grounds isn't too far away from the truth nowadays. Mark Lester, Tom Holland and John Saxton came up with a competent dark screenplay that stacks up some over-the-edge surprises, but also involving and well-rounded characters, especially for this type of flick.
The violence is grisly and there are some neat gory slices of blood letting, which a lot seem to happen in the way-over-board climax, but I got a kick out of the ironic ending too, that goes well with what all always eventuates throughout. Exhilarating camera-work and snappy pacing also work a treat. The performances were hugely sensational. Perry King as Mr. Norris generally has interesting and appealing persona about him, that you'll be cheering on his character and the great Roddy McDowall turns in a professional performance, especially when that of his character finally cracks under the pressure. Timothy Van Patten is the star here as the cunningly vile Peter Stegman. His performance is simply memorable and that anger of his character is incredibly uneasy to watch. The maniac group just stirs the pot. And you got a supporting role from a gawky Michael Fox, yep there no J here. While some of those unsettling and offensive images stay in your, also you will have to cope with the catchy tune 'I am the future' by Alice Cooper. You get a dose during the beginning and then for the closing credits I couldn't get that damn song out of my head! It's cheesy but deliciously tasty. The bulletining rock soundtrack pounds out the tracks and the rumbling score is far than weak. Competently made but otherwise still holding a raw touch to it with its hard going tactics and thrills.
Riveting junk that's highly enjoyable. That's HIGHLY!
It's More Than An Exploitation Movie
ObscureCinema1015 June 2012
One sub-genre of film that I have been neglecting for quite some time is the revenge movie. Sure, I've seen the EXTERMINATOR movies and DEATH WISH 3, but that was about it until I decided to watch CLASS OF 1984. It wasn't a film I'd wanted to watch; one night I just spontaneously decided to watch it for no reason. Boy oh boy was I surprised.
Andrew Norris is a young music teacher who has just accepted his first teaching position at Lincoln High School. Norris is shocked to find that Terry, a fellow teacher, carries a gun in his brief case and there are metal detectors at the doors. He soon discovers this is with good reason, given the amount of gangs and gang violence in the school, mostly by Peter Stegman, a punk whose drug-pushing gang "owns" the school and who just so happens to be a brilliant pianist. Andrew stands up to him, which leads to full-on war between the two until Stegman goes too far and pushes Norris over the edge.
CLASS OF 1984 is exploitation cinema at its finest, but the film is so accomplished that it almost feels too classy to be exploitation. The acting is nothing short of fantastic, featuring breakout performances by Perry King as the caring Norris who slowly begins to lose his patience, the always incredible Roddy McDowell as Terry, the man who has lost all hope in his teaching abilities and dreams of actually making a good change in these kids lives, and, of course, Timothy Van Patten as Stegman, who plays the role with a mix of suaveness, psychosis, and even tragedy at his wasted life. Oh, and Michael J. Fox also makes an early appearance as a good kid trapped in such a miserable world.
The film does a good job of building the antagonists up as completely despicable so by the final showdown between Norris and the gang, you are itching for them to die, yet they are sympathetic in a way. The film's pacing is superb as well, with each passing scene continually mounting the tension until the blood-soaked climax.
The film also captures quite aptly the total hopelessness some teachers face with their students, and even if you're not a teacher, you can still relate to it because we've all had that a-hole in our class that would never give the teacher a break. Only here, in classic exploitation fashion, these guys go beyond that. They actually set fire to Norris's car early on and slaughter all the animals in Terry's biology class.
But have no fear exploitation fanatics! This isn't exactly an art house film, as it is filled with full-frontal nudity and some graphic violence towards the end.
CLASS OF 1984 was a real surprise for me. I was expecting a gritty, grindhouse exploitation movie, and in most ways, that's what I got. However, the film is more than that. It's very professionally made, it's smart, and it's emotional. It really is depressing in some scenes building up to the climax, and I like that. The finale will quench any exploitation fan's quench for violence. Great acting, great characters, great story, great pacing, great violence, just great EVERYTHING all around.
Don't pass this one up; seek it out immediately.
Andrew Norris is a young music teacher who has just accepted his first teaching position at Lincoln High School. Norris is shocked to find that Terry, a fellow teacher, carries a gun in his brief case and there are metal detectors at the doors. He soon discovers this is with good reason, given the amount of gangs and gang violence in the school, mostly by Peter Stegman, a punk whose drug-pushing gang "owns" the school and who just so happens to be a brilliant pianist. Andrew stands up to him, which leads to full-on war between the two until Stegman goes too far and pushes Norris over the edge.
CLASS OF 1984 is exploitation cinema at its finest, but the film is so accomplished that it almost feels too classy to be exploitation. The acting is nothing short of fantastic, featuring breakout performances by Perry King as the caring Norris who slowly begins to lose his patience, the always incredible Roddy McDowell as Terry, the man who has lost all hope in his teaching abilities and dreams of actually making a good change in these kids lives, and, of course, Timothy Van Patten as Stegman, who plays the role with a mix of suaveness, psychosis, and even tragedy at his wasted life. Oh, and Michael J. Fox also makes an early appearance as a good kid trapped in such a miserable world.
The film does a good job of building the antagonists up as completely despicable so by the final showdown between Norris and the gang, you are itching for them to die, yet they are sympathetic in a way. The film's pacing is superb as well, with each passing scene continually mounting the tension until the blood-soaked climax.
The film also captures quite aptly the total hopelessness some teachers face with their students, and even if you're not a teacher, you can still relate to it because we've all had that a-hole in our class that would never give the teacher a break. Only here, in classic exploitation fashion, these guys go beyond that. They actually set fire to Norris's car early on and slaughter all the animals in Terry's biology class.
But have no fear exploitation fanatics! This isn't exactly an art house film, as it is filled with full-frontal nudity and some graphic violence towards the end.
CLASS OF 1984 was a real surprise for me. I was expecting a gritty, grindhouse exploitation movie, and in most ways, that's what I got. However, the film is more than that. It's very professionally made, it's smart, and it's emotional. It really is depressing in some scenes building up to the climax, and I like that. The finale will quench any exploitation fan's quench for violence. Great acting, great characters, great story, great pacing, great violence, just great EVERYTHING all around.
Don't pass this one up; seek it out immediately.
Good high school melodrama worth checking out.
Pinback-431 August 1999
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw this film about eight years ago after I read that Roger Ebert gave it a rave review. It's a pretty tense and well-acted melodrama starring Perry King as a high school teacher who is forced to take matters into his own hands when the toughest kid in school makes trouble for him. Roddy McDowall plays a fellow teacher who resorts to unorthodox learning techniques when they become necessary. Michael J. Fox, pre-stardom, has a small part as one of King's students. The movie resembles BLACKBOARD JUNGLE in many ways, but I didn't mind because it worked well on its own terms. Timothy Van Patten, who plays the tough kid, is a memorable villain. He certainly deserves his ultimate fate. The movie is violent, as it's supposed to be, but not overly so. It's much more entertaining than 187. It also offers a look into the early '80's punk scene, and features an Alice Cooper song, "I am the Future", during the opening and closing credits.
A Cult Classic For The Ages.
baehr_adam9 September 2016
Holy Smokes. I will start off by saying that I just finished watching this movie today for the first time and I fell in love. I'm reviewing this film from the perspective that this is a cult classic film through and through and so I shall begin. The story is about a teacher who gets a job at a school that is known to be full of gangs and a plethora of other misfits. He then starts to have trouble with the main school gang which are basic Neo-Nazi punks. The story is simplistic but does the job. The acting was great for a film that was made in 1982 not that there were not a ton of phenomenal actors back then either to say. The teacher Mr.Norris played by Perry King is Outstanding and the other highlight is his enemy Peter Stegman played by Timothy Van Patten who was truly mesmerizing. The other actors and actresses did a great job as well. The action was Awesome. The choreography could be a little off at times but for the times and the budget it was working with I thought the director Mark Lester did an Incredible job. The deaths were very cool and overall they did a killer job. No pun intended. The cinematography and location were excellent. The crew did a terrific job of shadowing over what a crime ridden school would look like along with the town it was surrounded by in the film. I will close by saying that this is a Must-Watch film if you're a fan of films such as "A Clockwork Orange" and also "The Warriors" and films that represent warnings on what our future's could look like if left in the hands of madmen. The film can be graphic at times but none of it phased me because I have seen a lot worse but just a forewarning. Please don't be deterred from watching this Absolutely Astounding film.
Ultra violence
swan5713 February 2005
A drama at the beginning turning into an ultra violence movie at the end. Mark A. Lester paints the portraits of young people living for violence and turning adults into scapegoats for their violence. What a pleasure to see it over and over again. Actors are great, Van Patten a perfect punk gang leader, charismatic and clever but insane. The end of the movie is really a perfect illustration of violence unleashing violence. The best school violence movie ever made. There are a lot of moments really good in this movie: a few examples: The scene of the drug dealing, the scene where Timothy Van Patten hurts himself in the toilets, the track he plays at the piano, the scene of the rape, and the whole scenes of the end of the movie which goes crescendo in the violence. This movie made in 1982 is always pleasant to watch, and things that happen in the movie can happen in every school nowadays, a great vision of what the world of education has become in most countries. Visionnaire??
Worthy of its cult status
Woodyanders29 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Naive and idealistic music teacher Andy Norris (a fine and likable performance by Perry King) gets a job at Lincoln High School in a crime-infested neighborhood. Andy locks horns with the shrewd and sadistic Peter Stegman (an outstanding portrayal of magnetic evil by Timothy Van Patten), a brilliant, yet psychotic student who leads a gang of especially nasty and dangerous punks. When conventional methods of dealing with Stegman and his flunkies prove fruitless, Norris resorts to more drastic measures to take care of these no-count hoodlums.
Director Mark L. Lester, who also co-wrote the bleak, gripping and hard-hitting script with John Saxton and Tom Holland, expertly crafts a potent and compelling blend of stinging social commentary and entertaining exploitation trash: the snappy pace rarely lets up for a minute, the nerve-wracking tension gradually builds to a harrowing fever pitch in the bloody, exciting and highly satisfying last third, the grim, harsh and uncompromising tone stays true to itself to the literal bitter end, and the film's dire prediction of urban high schools as a virtual war zone proved to be scarily prophetic. The teen gang members are a memorably vile and hateful bunch: While Van Patten clearly dominates the proceedings with his bravura turn as the gifted and cunning Stegman (the scene where he performs a virtuoso piano piece in front of a stunned Norris is particularly startling and impressive), he nonetheless receives strong support from Stefan Arngrin as slimy junkie Drugstore, Keith Knight as hulking brute Barnyard, Lisa Langlois as vicious moll Patsy, and Neil Clifford as sneering thug Fallon. Roddy McDowall likewise shines as Terry Corrigan, an alcoholic and disillusioned biology teacher who eventually cracks under the pressure (the gang kill his beloved bunny rabbits!) and attempts to force the kids to learn at gunpoint. Moreover, we've also got praiseworthy work from a pudgy pre-fame Michael J. Fox as amiable smartaleck Arthur, Erin Noble as the mousy Deneen, Merrie Lynn Ross as Andy's worried pregnant wife Diane, and Al Waxman as well-meaning, but ineffectual Detective Stewiski. Lalo Schifrin supplies a supremely effective rousing and pulsating score, Albert Dunk's slick cinematography does the trick, and Alice Cooper sings the groovy theme song "I Am the Future." Essential viewing for 80's B-movie fans.
Director Mark L. Lester, who also co-wrote the bleak, gripping and hard-hitting script with John Saxton and Tom Holland, expertly crafts a potent and compelling blend of stinging social commentary and entertaining exploitation trash: the snappy pace rarely lets up for a minute, the nerve-wracking tension gradually builds to a harrowing fever pitch in the bloody, exciting and highly satisfying last third, the grim, harsh and uncompromising tone stays true to itself to the literal bitter end, and the film's dire prediction of urban high schools as a virtual war zone proved to be scarily prophetic. The teen gang members are a memorably vile and hateful bunch: While Van Patten clearly dominates the proceedings with his bravura turn as the gifted and cunning Stegman (the scene where he performs a virtuoso piano piece in front of a stunned Norris is particularly startling and impressive), he nonetheless receives strong support from Stefan Arngrin as slimy junkie Drugstore, Keith Knight as hulking brute Barnyard, Lisa Langlois as vicious moll Patsy, and Neil Clifford as sneering thug Fallon. Roddy McDowall likewise shines as Terry Corrigan, an alcoholic and disillusioned biology teacher who eventually cracks under the pressure (the gang kill his beloved bunny rabbits!) and attempts to force the kids to learn at gunpoint. Moreover, we've also got praiseworthy work from a pudgy pre-fame Michael J. Fox as amiable smartaleck Arthur, Erin Noble as the mousy Deneen, Merrie Lynn Ross as Andy's worried pregnant wife Diane, and Al Waxman as well-meaning, but ineffectual Detective Stewiski. Lalo Schifrin supplies a supremely effective rousing and pulsating score, Albert Dunk's slick cinematography does the trick, and Alice Cooper sings the groovy theme song "I Am the Future." Essential viewing for 80's B-movie fans.
Brilliant pupil-teacher satire
The_Void20 July 2005
The 1980's was the decade responsible for some of the silliest films known to man, but many of these films actually have something about them - much like this satire on the antagonistic relationship between teachers and pupils. Some people may be dismayed by the massively over the top plotting; but this is the entire point of the movie. It's unrealistic and silly, but that's what makes the satire hit home. It might not be too over the top these days either, with the shocking violence reported from some schools. The plot follows Andy Norris; the replacement music teacher at a Lincoln high school; a school that is run not by the teachers, but by a powerful clique, lead by Peter Stegman. It doesn't take long for the new teacher and the gang leader to develop an acute hatred of one another, which leads to all kinds of trouble for both of them. The plot of Class of 1984 isn't important really, it's the stunts and ultra-violence that is; and the film features a lot of both. Some of it is actually quite shocking, while other parts of the movie are downright hilarious. Basically, the film is just a good time throughout.
The style that Class of 1984 takes on is similar to that of the earlier teen exploitation flick 'The Warriors', and the dark atmosphere of the film creates a similarly post-apocalyptic theme. The dark tone of the movie blends well with the events that take place, and despite the fact that this is a satire; it's actually quite frightening. The gore on display isn't relentless, but it is shocking when it comes. Scenes that see someone have their arm cut off by a circular saw, and someone dropped through a skylight are shocking in an almost humorous way, and are hard to really be shocked by - but a scene that sees a laboratory decorated by dead rabbits definitely succeeds in being macabre and quite disturbing. The acting in the film is largely good, with the ensemble cast putting in performances that are realistic and suit the mood of the picture. The film is exciting throughout, but it takes on a life of it's own once we reach the final twenty minutes. That's when the story comes together and the violence is at it's most prolific. I'm surprised that this film hasn't gone on to receive more of a welcome reception, but nevertheless; this is really good stuff. Recommended!
The style that Class of 1984 takes on is similar to that of the earlier teen exploitation flick 'The Warriors', and the dark atmosphere of the film creates a similarly post-apocalyptic theme. The dark tone of the movie blends well with the events that take place, and despite the fact that this is a satire; it's actually quite frightening. The gore on display isn't relentless, but it is shocking when it comes. Scenes that see someone have their arm cut off by a circular saw, and someone dropped through a skylight are shocking in an almost humorous way, and are hard to really be shocked by - but a scene that sees a laboratory decorated by dead rabbits definitely succeeds in being macabre and quite disturbing. The acting in the film is largely good, with the ensemble cast putting in performances that are realistic and suit the mood of the picture. The film is exciting throughout, but it takes on a life of it's own once we reach the final twenty minutes. That's when the story comes together and the violence is at it's most prolific. I'm surprised that this film hasn't gone on to receive more of a welcome reception, but nevertheless; this is really good stuff. Recommended!
Trashy exploitation from the director of Commando
dworldeater19 November 2020
I actually reviewed this on IMDB before, but my user review got accidentally deleted. I recently watched this again and I actually like this less than previously. This was directed by Mark Lester who is best known for the action classic Commando. This film seems like it is highly regarded and had I seen this when I was younger I might have liked it more. There have been a lot of high school movies about violent kids in street gangs, I guess this is the first of those films. However, I really didn't like any of the characters in the film. The uptight teacher Mr Norris who can't mind his own business and is in conflict with a street gang of drug dealing punk rockers that somehow run the school. Like a lot of other 80's movies, the punk rock subculture is portrayed in a negative, one dimensional and unrealistic light. The kids in question are like no punk rockers I have ever met. The actiing and dialogue is pretty bad, except for Roddy McDowell who is always good. Michael J Fox also is decent in an early performance. The actor who played Mr Norris is an even worst actor than Chuck Norris. He also is without the charisma of Chuck and knows no karate. The gang of kids opposite of Mr Norris are really obnoxious and annoying. Class Of 1984 was pretty action packed and quite violent and controversial for it's time. I found this to be watchable for sure, but definitely not great. Movies like The Principal and The Substitute are probably influenced by this, but are both better movies that I prefer over this.
An Honest Review
generationofswine5 November 2020
It's 2020 and, frankly, I miss movies like this.
Hollywood has tanked, they really aren't putting out anything worth watching any longer... and it's debatable if Class of 1984 is really worth watching. I guess it depends on your mood.
But we need that padding back. We need a whole bunch of ridiculous, low budget exploitation films to pad and help finance the bigger ones. That might actually stop Hollywood from actively attacking the people that didn't go see the trash movies they spent millions on and still tanked.
Because, honestly, I'm not going to spend $25 a ticket to go see a gender and race swapped remake of a beloved childhood lecture with a heavy handed one sided political message and no real story or plot.
But I will spend a few bucks to stream a trash exploitation movie, with no real message, no real budget, and a plot that was made to just be fun and entertaining.
Class of 1984 is one of those movies, one of the movies where you can sit back and just be entertained for an hour without having to suffer through anything that you're not allowed to make fun of because... meh politics.
This is the type of movie where it's almost encouraged that you make fun of it... while you are watching it. This is the home movie market, where you don't view it in theaters because a little audience participation makes for a better viewing experience.
This I will pay to see on a rainy weekend.
The plot sucks, it stars the funny dude from Rip Tide, and its over the top and silly... in other words, it's escapist entertainment. And ENTERTAINMENT is what movies should be all about
Hollywood has tanked, they really aren't putting out anything worth watching any longer... and it's debatable if Class of 1984 is really worth watching. I guess it depends on your mood.
But we need that padding back. We need a whole bunch of ridiculous, low budget exploitation films to pad and help finance the bigger ones. That might actually stop Hollywood from actively attacking the people that didn't go see the trash movies they spent millions on and still tanked.
Because, honestly, I'm not going to spend $25 a ticket to go see a gender and race swapped remake of a beloved childhood lecture with a heavy handed one sided political message and no real story or plot.
But I will spend a few bucks to stream a trash exploitation movie, with no real message, no real budget, and a plot that was made to just be fun and entertaining.
Class of 1984 is one of those movies, one of the movies where you can sit back and just be entertained for an hour without having to suffer through anything that you're not allowed to make fun of because... meh politics.
This is the type of movie where it's almost encouraged that you make fun of it... while you are watching it. This is the home movie market, where you don't view it in theaters because a little audience participation makes for a better viewing experience.
This I will pay to see on a rainy weekend.
The plot sucks, it stars the funny dude from Rip Tide, and its over the top and silly... in other words, it's escapist entertainment. And ENTERTAINMENT is what movies should be all about
So bad it's entertaining! The table saw movie!
mm-3927 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Class of 1984 is so bad it's entertaining. Back in junior high it's was known as yeah the table saw movie. Well, a revenge Death Wish flick, and Class of 1984 could not cast a Bronson as the school teacher. But hey just like the Death Wish movies we got a teacher trying to do teaching; there is a school gang with a psychotic leader. There is a build up of incidents and a memorable few scenes. Then the conclusion horror movie style. The table saw incident. Many shot's of old Toronto, with a few famous sights, and a young Michael J Fox make 84 a taste of Canada that was suppose fill in for some North East city. There is Teenage Head gets a film spot for this film. Ugh not awful, but not good either. 6 stars.
Woeful Trash
Easygoer1019 October 2020
This is so ridiculously dated. The only redeeming factor is to see a slightly chubby Michael (J.) Fox. I would consider watching it for laughs (in all the wrong places), however...no way. These are supposedly bad or unruly students. Do yourself a favor and skip this garbage.
A Class Of It's Own!
beermonsteruk21 January 2020
Ah, Class Of 1984, this is one of the great cult films of the 80's, I've watched this countless times and intend to again soon, always goes down well with a few beers during an evening over a weekend (has to be watched at night :-) don't watch this in the daytime).
Set in a very violent school where the unruly kids seem to rule and the teachers powerless to stop them(sound familiar?) many of the students openly carry knives, take drugs and generally cause carnage, one gang in particular, rule above the others, led by the ruthless Peter Stegman (played superbly by Timothy Van Patten), this particular gang seem to be at odds with new music Teacher, Andrew Norris (Perry King).
Norris seems stunned none of the other teachers seem to want to do anything about the unruly behaviour and when he meets fellow teacher Terry (played by legendary actor Roddy McDowall), he tells Norris to keep his head down and accept things as they are, but Norris refuses, wanting to help the students who want to learn, and hopefully kick out Stegman and his crew.
As Norris wants to put together an orchestra, he finds himself clashing further with Stegman, who despite his general destructive behaviour, shows stunning talent (an absolutely brilliant piano scene, "Stegmans theme") he is rebuffed by Norris, who is repulsed by Stegman and his gangs attitude, and he is determined to catch the gang in the act of violence, drug dealing and even pimping, which the police know of their activities but cannot do anything without concrete evidence, and much more carnage and mayhem ensues.
This is a fantastic movie, an underground classic with infinite rewatch value, and the soundtrack (which includes Alice Cooper's "We Are The Future" and Teenage Head's "Ain't Got No Sense") has a great punk vibe throughout, a dark film, with violence and even sexual violence, so not for the faint hearted, but if you like dark, 80s Cult/B-Movies with a punk rock soundtrack with extreme violence, this is for you, wonderfully directed by Mark L Lester, and with a fantastic cast, get the beers and pizza in and enjoy.
9/10 Highly recommended.
Set in a very violent school where the unruly kids seem to rule and the teachers powerless to stop them(sound familiar?) many of the students openly carry knives, take drugs and generally cause carnage, one gang in particular, rule above the others, led by the ruthless Peter Stegman (played superbly by Timothy Van Patten), this particular gang seem to be at odds with new music Teacher, Andrew Norris (Perry King).
Norris seems stunned none of the other teachers seem to want to do anything about the unruly behaviour and when he meets fellow teacher Terry (played by legendary actor Roddy McDowall), he tells Norris to keep his head down and accept things as they are, but Norris refuses, wanting to help the students who want to learn, and hopefully kick out Stegman and his crew.
As Norris wants to put together an orchestra, he finds himself clashing further with Stegman, who despite his general destructive behaviour, shows stunning talent (an absolutely brilliant piano scene, "Stegmans theme") he is rebuffed by Norris, who is repulsed by Stegman and his gangs attitude, and he is determined to catch the gang in the act of violence, drug dealing and even pimping, which the police know of their activities but cannot do anything without concrete evidence, and much more carnage and mayhem ensues.
This is a fantastic movie, an underground classic with infinite rewatch value, and the soundtrack (which includes Alice Cooper's "We Are The Future" and Teenage Head's "Ain't Got No Sense") has a great punk vibe throughout, a dark film, with violence and even sexual violence, so not for the faint hearted, but if you like dark, 80s Cult/B-Movies with a punk rock soundtrack with extreme violence, this is for you, wonderfully directed by Mark L Lester, and with a fantastic cast, get the beers and pizza in and enjoy.
9/10 Highly recommended.
When does a dream become a nightmare?
Discogodfather962225 March 2015
Exploitation films are my favorite genre. What's not to love? You got all the ingredients that make an entertaining movie, sex, Violence, drug use and sex. All of which are in full force with the cult classic, Class Of 1984. The generically named Lincoln High is the worst school in America, drug use, graffiti from head to toe and even prostitution. The sadistic, violence prone student, Peter Stegman, runs the school with his colorful gang of cronies that look like cast rejects from The Warriors. This school is run like a prison. Enter the naïve new music teacher, Mr. Norris. Norris believes he can reach out to these troublemakers by the power of teaching, something Stegman slowly points out that he doesn't want. When one of Norris prized students is prison shanked in the school cafeteria (a pre Family Ties, Michael J. Fox) and with no help from the facility or law, Norris takes matters into his own hands. Director Mark Lester (Commando) intentions were for this film to be a provocative think piece or "message" movie, now it's simply a fun, throw it on late at night with your friends while drunk
movie, and that's fine by me.
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