A Substituta

As awkward as this film is, there are moments that can only be described as, sublime. The moments are pinpointed by faces. If you read the film through the faces of its characters you'll have a memorable experience. The pain and anger in Amanda Donohue's face is as entertaining and shattering as anything Bette Davis has ever done. Mark Whalberg ambles down into the film scene with a bang, looking straight into the camera, inviting us to "get busy". The faces of the students, Molly Parker and Martin Cummins among them, tell us, in beautiful close ups, how much their murderous teacher has done for them. Then the teacher tells them how much they mean to her, we see the kids faces from above as her point of view. It is just wonderful. Last but not least is the amazing score by Gerald Gouriet (Madame Souzatska, Seeds of Tragedy) All in all I had the feeling that a genial mind was at work here, but chained to some kind of wall of mediocrity. As rarities go, this is the "rariest". Worth the trip.

It has been awhile since audiences have seen Amanda Donohoe. (Remember L.A. Law?).

She is actually quite good as a teacher with less than good intentions; she looks mysterious and menacing. It is surprising also that Mark Wahlberg (previously known as "Marky Mark") is in this film I recently saw him in "The Shooter" and he has come a long way.

For a TV suspense film this is not bad. Dalton James ("90210") also has a part as Ben's son, who realizes Donohoe is capable of murder. There are a few scenes reminiscent of Psycho, when he is in the library collecting information about the teacher and her murderous history. Natasha Gregson Wagner also has a small part as a student and Molly Parker ("Intensity").

All in all, not a bad film for a rainy day.

When i first saw this movie was a few years ago because i had it on VHS.Back then i thought that the movie deserved 5/10 (Average) but i bought the DVD with good image and sound it made to give this movie a 7. The music score is excellent and the movie (instead of having some minor flaws) is very entertaining.In this film Mark Wahlberg made his debut and you can tell but he is acceptable because of his charisma&attitude.Amanda Donohoe has done the biggest role in her career in this movie.But this just my opinion.Watching this movie you'll not be disappointed because Amanda Donohoe is Bete Davis of our times.

Martin Donovan directs this film with an inspired cast. Mr. Donovan has done much better work in his native Argentina. "The Substitute" seems to be a movie of the week feature that we had never seen. It was shown on a cable channel the other night and while the film doesn't even attempt to break new ground on the horror genre, it will not bore the viewer. Thankfully, it's only 87 minutes long!

The best excuse for watching the movie is Amanda Donohue, an actress that has done some interesting work. Her take on the evil teacher is right on target. Ms. Donohue plays the dual role of Gayle/Laura with great style, something she has always brought to other roles. This woman is a step ahead of everyone. She is evil personified. She registers a lot of emotion without appearing ghoulish.

The young supporting cast is good. Dalton James plays Josh, a young man that gets a taste of what Laura is capable of doing. Mark Wahlberg, billed as Marky Mark, doesn't much to do. He was still trying to find his way around the movie business. Natasha Gregson Wagner plays a bland Jenny, Josh's girlfriend. Finally, Eugene Robert Glazer is seen as Josh's father and the object of Laura's sudden interest.

See the film with an open mind.

The film, made for Cable, is far from perfect but the truth is I was engrossed. Riveted actually. Amanda Donohoe gives a fantastic performance as someone trying to hide from her own past and failing in the most devastating way. Her torture is written all over her fabulous face. Great part of the film is just mesmerizing. Young faces full of something lyrical and magic. Including the future Oscar nominee, Mark Whalberg. There is an undeniable Hitchcockian touch, even the score has a Bernard Herrman sound. I saw it a week ago and here I am, still thinking about it. Not available on DVD. I would love to hear the behind the scenes. I'm sure there is story there.