Parker Lewis One of the most gripping scenes in The Principal is when Jim Belushi's Principal saves a teacher from being raped by a student. Without hesitation he revs on his motorcycle up the steps and saves the day - the filming and editing of this scene was impressive, and props to the director Christopher Cain and editor Jack Hofstra.The Principal needs to be a TV series. Each week's episode could be self-contained, or there could be a season long story arch. The Principal can weed out the bad apples and ensure students really want to learn. The Principal can also be up against the bureaucracy and suits and superintendents, and fighting against The Man.

Cinema_Love This movie is about a simple guy that become principal in a tough school. That's what he always wanted but in a city he does not belong with criminals and drug dealers. James Belushi is the perfect choice in this movie, he was very young at that time in 1987, he was like 32 years old. But he looks 40. Plus, he got the help of the security agent of the school (yeap, only one agent) in the name of Louis Gossett Jr. (Iron Eagle). Gossett Jr. & Belushi have so much chemistry together, you forget about the script and the negatives of the film. Belushi is yet simple but effective, he's convincing in his role, and the ending is very violent but needed to happen ! B+

lost-in-limbo Nothing new under sun, as "The Principal" could be seen as a more aggressively modern "Blackboard Jungle" inspiration (which it could possibly have done the same for "Dangerous Minds") amongst a urban ghetto backdrop. You could also say its like "Class of 1984", only less trashier and explicit with the action and cleaning out. John Belushi (an effectively imposing turn balancing the dry humour with a serious side) stars as a teacher Rick Latimer who's life is falling apart and an brutal act involving his ex-wife and new lover, sees him being offered (though there's no real choice to it) a new position as principal at a school that's over-run by drugs, violence and gangs who don't have education on their minds. So he goes about making changes, but a certain drug dealer Victor Duncan (a superbly lethal Michael Wright) sees this as a threat and goes on to make it hell. But Latimer doesn't cave in and soon finds an ally in janitor Jake Phillips (a tough performance by Lou Gossett Jr.) The formulaic story (which at times can get preachy) seems to be fuelled by such topics as crime, racism and talent untapped in what Belushi's strong-minded character transforms, as he might be in over his head however his got nothing to lose. He takes it on the chin, and tries to build upon the foundation than letting it slide… despite the scoffing and violence targeted at him. Director Christopher Cain does a polished job with his forward handling, but never letting it loose focus on the raw and brutal side of things. Crisp, but explosively high octane. Surprisingly it was more intense and action-oriented than I was expecting. The encounters involving Latimer and Victor coming to blows in what was a power tussle for control and dominance was always gripping in the scheme of things. Performances are well-guided with some other familiar faces in Rae Dawn Chong, Esai Morales and Jacob Vargas. Also throughout we get some drowning 80s tunes spliced throughout to evoke spirit and grit.

insomniac_rod "The Principal" is a good movie to watch on Sunday morning or late, late cable. We get badass characters and some kickass fighting sequences. I even wanted to behave like Rick or Jake! I also wanted to speak like in the ghetto you know. Now seriously, this is a fairly entertaining B-Flick. The plot is simple, easy to follow, and overall interesting. James Belushi is hired to straighten some lower class trash students. Most of them insult, threaten, and even kick the hell out of the principal. But he won't give up with his badass attitude. He fights against the most dangerous gang from high school and teaches them the basics to respect. James Belushi delivers a kickass performance as Rick Latimer. The man is hardcore. But Louis Gossett Jr. steals the show as the tough Jake Phillips; the janitor and overall school vigilante. I love the scene where he says that he won't fight against Victor because when that day comes, one of them will die! Rae Dawn Chong also is fine in her role and looks very sexy. I didn't like the scene where one of the gang members tries to rape her. She seemed very uncomfortable with that scene. Michael Wright is truly one creepy tough guy. He's mean, imposes fear, and kicks some serious asses.Watch "The Principal"; a quality B-movie from the 80's. It has the elements to make you enjoy it if you are into fighting sequences and badass characters.