B-Movies and Couch Classics: White Squall • The Craft

B-Movies and Couch Classics
White Squall & The Craft

White Squall

Young actors and actresses have always made a mark in films throughout the years. Recently, there seems to be a lot of films on the "new release" wall with teenage stars in them. So, for this month, I thought that I would let you in on some of the better titles that feature our young actors and actresses.

"White Squall" has been a very popular rental over the past month or two and still rents strongly. It has a great story line that seems to appeal to both parents and younger adults. It’s a story of growing up and what it takes to become a man. This thriller is set on the high seas and it does have some star power. Jeff Bridges stars as the captain of a ship that is used as a school for a group of seafaring students. Scott Wolf (from TV’s Party of Five) co-stars as one of the students that all seem to have, not only family, but personal problems.

The story is really about a teacher that might be pushing his students too far. Are his teaching methods too much for this troubled bunch of students, or are they exactly what this group needs? Just when you think all the questions will be answered, a terrible accident occurs that not only tests the courage of the students, but also their loyalties.

Again, this film is popular among teenagers and adults. The movie does carry a PG-13 rating and might not be appropriate for our younger viewers.

The Craft

Now here is a movie that is doing great with our younger audience. A dark science fiction/horror film that stars four beautiful young actresses that are making their marks on the film industry. Neve Campbell (TV’s Party of Five), Feiruza Bulk, Robin Tunney, and Rachel True star in this new release that seems to be a hit. What I liked most about the film was that the witchcraft was not overemphasized and that the characters, even though outsiders, seemed common. It’s sometimes hard to follow a sci-fi film that emphasizes the witchcraft more than the characters that possess it.

As I mentioned, this film has real appeal to our younger audience, which makes it hard to find in most video stores. It’s not that teenagers are bad renters, it’s just that they seem to keep films they like a little longer than most age groups. I guess I really don’t need to mention this to some parents who always seem to get stuck with the extra day fees. This film does carry an R rating, so please keep an eye on the younger teenagers.

I did like this film, which is uncommon, because even though I love science fiction/horror films, I am not real big on witchcraft films. I thought the characters were developed well because that, in itself, was part of the story. It was brought out, not only why each one wanted part of the craft, but why each one needed part of it. Their individual stories were just as important as the craft itself.

So, cheers for "The Craft" for hitting it big. But remember, if you can not find it in your local video store, check with the kids because they might already have it out on your account... overdue!

Coming of Age

I guess I’ll have to stay with my coming of age theme and let you in on some of my favorite classic coming of age movies. Now please remember that I’m not that old, so my idea of classic might not be the same as yours. How about great movies like, "Dead Poet’s Society", "Risky Business", "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off", "The Outsiders", "The Breakfast Club", "Sixteen Candles", or maybe even "St. Elmo’s Fire" as a good coming of age story to rent. There are many more new and classic movies that star teenage actors or actresses that I’m sure I’ve forgotten about, but I’m sure if you stop at your local video store, someone could gladly help you find the one you’re looking for.