Cast
View All
Rick Schroder
as Jason Copeland
Freddie Prinze Jr.
as Aaron Sullivan
Henry Winkler
as Skip Fine
Alexis Cruz
as Frankie Rodriguez
Katie Wright
as Samantha Eckert
Patrick Malone
as Travis McGill
Pat Finn
as Mr. Kroft
Ren Woods
as Mrs. McGill
Michael Flynn
as Sheriff Randall
Kip Niven
as FBI Agent Brown
Christy Summerhays
as Margaret Fine
Marcia Dangerfield
as Mrs. Sullivan
Greg Kean
as Deputy Manners
Lynne Van Dam
as Miss Richards
Joey Miyashima
as Mr. Braddock
Crew
Director
- Michael W. Watkins
Writer
- Larry Golin
Producer
- Matthew Loze
- Steve Natt
Reviews
Andre Gonzales
Bringing one of the school shootings to the big screen. Pretty good movie too. Has some rage against a teacher. Also takes the school students hostage too.
Jun 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Hostage High examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Michael W. Watkins brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hostage High took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2235 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hostage High shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Prep Room, which focuses more on action than character development, Hostage High subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Little Blue and Finding Forrester explore similar territory, Hostage High stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 19, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 33m
Where to Watch
