The Faculty (1998)
I remember from one of the writing books I own that when writers "pitch" ideas to producers, they try to evoke plots from previous films/TV series with a twist. Thus, Free Willy is E.T. with a whale, and Jurassic Park is Jaws with dinosaurs. Obviously, these examples don't match exactly, but there a good enough base. I imagine that the pitch for The Faculty was "Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets The Thing (1982), set in a high school." In that case, it would be an exact description of the plot.
To say that The Faculty isn't derivative would be an outstanding lie. To say that it wasn't an enteraining derivation would be equally false. There's a good reason behind the surprising enjoyment factor. In fact, there's two: writer Kevin Williamson (Scream) and director Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn). Williamson adds the proper note of "hip" post-modern self-reference, and Rodriguez puts in his considerable cinematic style (and editing skill), making for a slam-bang, occasionally witty action/sci-fi/horror ride.
The plot centers around small Herrington High School in Ohio, though it may as well be Santa Mira, California. Students are beginning to notice that their teachers are behaving oddly. They're co-operating, drinking an awful lot of water, and basically deviating from their usual personalities in any way they can manage. To say any more would probably not be a kindness, though fans of the previously mentioned source movies can guess the kind of chaos that ensues.
The performances are pretty good. I don't think I've seen quite so many teen or like-teen actors in a single film. All of the student performances are merely okay, though. These guys are still honing their talent. The teachers are fun to watch, especially Famke Janssen and the always enjoyable Robert Patrick. Jon Stewart and Bebe Neuwirth both fill the "odd choices for school staff members" requirement in any high school movie. Look for Harry Knowles, Internet guru of movie gossip.
I can't recommend this film without a disclaimer: be prepared to say, "Where have I seen this before?" A couple of the scenes are direct quotes from other films, or just blatant rip-offs. Also, there are a couple of holes in logic. Otherwise, expect a rip-roarin' good time.