The Skulls

Not having seen this film when it first was released, we took a chance when it showed on cable recently. Despite the general bad comments from all contributors of this film in IMDb, Rob Cohen's "The Skulls", shows some interesting aspects about a secret society in one Ivy League university.

First of all, it's almost inconceivably how a "townie" like Lucas McNamara, can enter this society, which is clearly intended for the rich boys that attend the university. If ever there was someone who had no chance in being a candidate, it was Luke McNamara. But then, Lucas' character is thrown in to show a contrast in the proceedings, otherwise the film would have been unwatchable if it only concentrated in these boring rich boys.

Films like "The Skulls", and other thrillers, thrive in the paranoia factor that is created around the situation. In this case, it shows how a few misguided individuals want to control everything where their members are influential figures. In this case it is the judge that aspires to be the next supreme court nominee, something that has some actual interest, since the president of the United States, a secret society member himself, has had to choose people to fill key vacancies in the government.

The best assets of the film lie in the crisp cinematography by Shane Hurlbut, who does wonder with his camera. The fine editing of the film by Peter Amundson shows outstanding quality that makes "The Skulls" a film that is easy to watch. Mr. Cohen has an eye for camera placement that shows in the different settings in the film.

One wishes Rob Cohen luck with his next undertaking because she demonstrates he knows his craft well.