The Principal (1987)

50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(6,980 ratings)

An impulsive but determined white principal brings order and respect to a predominantly African-American and Latino high school in this comedy-drama from the director of Young Guns and That Was Then, This Is Now. Rick Latimer (James Belushi), a high-school teacher, is in the process of a divorce… More An impulsive but determined white principal brings order and respect to a predominantly African-American and Latino high school in this comedy-drama from the director of Young Guns and That Was Then, This Is Now. Rick Latimer (James Belushi), a high-school teacher, is in the process of a divorce when he sees his estranged wife at a bar having drinks with her attorney. Drunk and enraged, he smashes the guy's car up and receives a reprimand from the school board -- a new job as principal at rough-and-tumble Brandel High. Security guard Jake Phillips (Louis Gossett Jr.) is soon teaching his new boss the ropes, but Rick isn't willing to accept the violent and drug-ridden status quo. With a two-word motto -- "No More!" -- he sets about cleaning out the riff-raff, also taking time out to tutor students and get to know Jake. But when chief thug Victor (Michael Wright) refuses to back down, the violence escalates. Eventually, Victor's vengeance threatens the lives of steely history teacher Hilary Orozco (Rae Dawn Chong) -- and Rick himself. Kelly Minter, who plays one of Brandel High's troubled students, portrayed a dyslexic in the similarly themed Summer School the same year The Principal was released. Screenwriter Frank Deese would go on to write the Corey Haim/Corey Feldman vehicle License to Drive. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Christopher Cain
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 18, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Jul 30, 2002
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
I'd like to see Morgan Freeman take over THIS school.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
James Belushi is great in The Principal, whether he is giving a speech, throwing out a one-liner, or just raising an eyebrow.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
An arresting drama starring likable Jim Belushi as an antihero principal trying to clean up a violent, drug-infested high school. Won't be a favorite of ACLU members.
Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
Bypasses heart-warming stuff completely, going instead for macho yelling and simple two-word slogans. Class dismissed.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Violent, but still darkly humorous, Christopher Cain's "The Principal" takes the old 'new teacher comes to rough high school and takes out the garbage' theme and adds Belushi's renowned sense of wit and likeability.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

Exciting movie, entertaining and sometimes funny, The Principal, have the potential to be a good film. Problem: not so great direction and script.
AJ V

A horrible movie about a horrible school and the horrible teachers who do horrible things to the students to try and enforce some rules. I hated this movie.
Steve K

Another guilty pleasure from the 80's.
Lee K

This is one of the movies where you get to see James Belushi as a tough guy so I suggest you take a look at this teacher who takes no b.s. at his new job at a tough high school.
Lea L

great james belushi film..

Cast

            James Belushi as Rick Latimer

            Louis Gossett Jr as Jake Phillips

            Rae Dawn Chong as Hilary Orozco

            Michael Wright as Victor Duncan

            J.J. Cohen as "White Zac"

            Esai Morales as Raymi Rojas

            Troy Winbush as "Baby" Emile

            Jacob Vargas as Arturo Diego

            Tommy Ryan as Robert Darcy

            Reggie Johnson as Jojo

            Kelly Jo Minter as Treena Lester

            Ruth Beckford as Mrs. Jenkins

            Julian Brooks as Kevin

            Jeffrey Jay Cohen as White Zac

            Joe Flood as Terhune

            Tony Haney as Police Officer

            J.J. Johnston as Will

            Marshall Jones as Gang Memeber

            Kathryn Knotts as Jan Buchanan

            Danny Kovacs as Substitute Teacher

            Wat Takeshita as Maintenance Man

            Sharon Thomas as Kimberly

            Joan Valderrama as Secretary

            John Allen Vick as Frank Valdis

            Frank Deese as Mr. Petersen

            Doug White as Eric

            Danny Williams as Dangerous Danny

            Mark Anger as Desk Officer

            Ann Armour as Mrs. Ripton

            Sean Allen Barnes as Rolf

            Steve W. Birger as Stevie B.

            Tom Bryant as Chocked Teacher

            Terry Coleman as Student

            Leo Downey as George Pierce

            Richard Duppell as Buddy

            Peter Fitzsimmons as Buddy

            Zoltan Gray as P.E. Teacher

            James Edward Griffin as Gang Student

            Rick Hamilton as Mr. Hanley

            Melissa Lee Holloman as Student

            Yuri Lane as Lance Woodbury

            Delores Mitchell as Mrs. Coswell

            Martin Pistone as Security Guard

            Bridgette Rodriguez as Girl

            Daniel Royal as Will

            Elliott S. Valderrama as Drug Dealer

            Joel Valentin as Kid

            Nemon Wade as Student

            Eural Wills as Student

            Jessica Wilson as Girl

            Tom Winston as Principal O'Connor

            Wood Josh as Charles Lester

            Bill Yarbrough as Randall

            Luis Zuno as Student

            Gus Dimas as Gus

            David Williams as Gang Student
See full cast