F (2010)

Review by David Rupp



A group of teachers must defend themselves from a gang of murderous kids when their school comes under siege after hours.
Written and directed by Johannes Roberts
Starring: David Schofield, Eliza Bennett and Ruth Gemmell.
I really have to say I was disappointed in this movie, it had great potential. One thing that will stand out is the cowel-like hoodie thing that has been increasingly popular (Them, The Maze, etc.). It does lend a anonymous eerieness to the attackers, but their progress through the scool is more reminiscent of the street acrobats on youtube that leap and vault over things, very choreographed.
That said it has some fairly down to earth kills, passable interactions, dynamics and relationships. Production is good and lends a dark feel, fitting score and I feel has some genuinely tense moments. I applaud any original work and this movie is not horrible by any means, I just don't feel it a stand out in the obvious slump of genre films of late.
One last thought on this movie, it does reflect on the current state of education and youth of today. The practice of no one failing, everyone wins, make them feel good even if they don't apply themselves in my opinion leads to the attacking kids decision to do their deed. A sense of no accountability, entitlement and lack of genuine reprecussions. The real pay off of F is it doesn't coddle you and hand feed you the reasons behind the unfolding drama, it leaves you to draw your own conclusions, fill in your blanks. So, what do you see behind F?
7/10