Hell High

Directed and acted with smoothness and poise, Hell High (1989) is rightfully considered a B-movie classic. Though billed as a slasher flick, the film is more of a home invasion story about four high school students who invade the home of their disliked teacher who, unbeknownst to them, has a murderous past. The B-movie staples (random tit shots, excessive violence, awesomely dated fashion, lingo, and score) are in full-force, but they are buoyed by a timelessly snappy screenplay and acting. Christopher Stryker is particularly impressive as a greaser-style ruffian with a heart of stone. Stryker died of AIDS before the film was released, and I imagine that with his icy gaze and charismatic aura, he would have had a career that far exceeded the realm of B horror movies. Each of the teen rebels seems to represent a different notch on the moral continuum, with Stryker's character being the worst and Jon-Jon (Christopher Cousins) who we identify as the hero, being the most noble. As for the tormented teacher, Ms. Storm (Maureen Mooney), her reasons for violence are a combination of accident, self-defense, sexual hysteria, and madness. While its B-movie trappings and the great competence of the filmmaking make the film fun, the moral complexity of the film's violent characters and those they victimize is what makes Hell High ultimately so enjoyable.