The Principal (1987)
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50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
55% of users liked it
(7,074 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
- Directed By
- Christopher Cain
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Sep 18, 1987 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
I'd like to see Morgan Freeman take over THIS school.
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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.
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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.
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Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
Bypasses heart-warming stuff completely, going instead for macho yelling and simple two-word slogans. Class dismissed.
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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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Cast
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James Belushi
as Rick Latimer
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Louis Gossett Jr
as Jake Phillips
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Rae Dawn Chong
as Hilary Orozco
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Michael Wright
as Victor Duncan
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J.J. Cohen
as "White Zac"
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Esai Morales
as Raymi Rojas
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Troy Winbush
as "Baby" Emile
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Jacob Vargas
as Arturo Diego
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Tommy Ryan
as Robert Darcy
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Reggie Johnson
as Jojo
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Kelly Jo Minter
as Treena Lester
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Ruth Beckford
as Mrs. Jenkins
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Julian Brooks
as Kevin
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Jeffrey Jay Cohen
as White Zac
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Joe Flood
as Terhune
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Tony Haney
as Police Officer
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J.J. Johnston
as Will
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Marshall Jones
as Gang Memeber
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Kathryn Knotts
as Jan Buchanan
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Danny Kovacs
as Substitute Teacher
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Wat Takeshita
as Maintenance Man
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Sharon Thomas
as Kimberly
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Joan Valderrama
as Secretary
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John Allen Vick
as Frank Valdis
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Frank Deese
as Mr. Petersen
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Doug White
as Eric
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Danny Williams
as Dangerous Danny
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Mark Anger
as Desk Officer
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Ann Armour
as Mrs. Ripton
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Sean Allen Barnes
as Rolf
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Steve W. Birger
as Stevie B.
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Tom Bryant
as Chocked Teacher
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Terry Coleman
as Student
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Leo Downey
as George Pierce
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Richard Duppell
as Buddy
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Peter Fitzsimmons
as Buddy
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Zoltan Gray
as P.E. Teacher
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James Edward Griffin
as Gang Student
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Rick Hamilton
as Mr. Hanley
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Melissa Lee Holloman
as Student
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Yuri Lane
as Lance Woodbury
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Delores Mitchell
as Mrs. Coswell
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Martin Pistone
as Security Guard
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Bridgette Rodriguez
as Girl
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Daniel Royal
as Will
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Elliott S. Valderrama
as Drug Dealer
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Joel Valentin
as Kid
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Nemon Wade
as Student
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Eural Wills
as Student
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Jessica Wilson
as Girl
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Tom Winston
as Principal O'Connor
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Wood Josh
as Charles Lester
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Bill Yarbrough
as Randall
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Luis Zuno
as Student
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Gus Dimas
as Gus
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David Williams
as Gang Student
