182059191
This Friday marks the release of “Project Almanac,” a nifty teen thriller in which high-schoolers use a time machine to fun, yet devastating effect. Check out five more films that mix sci-fi action with adolescence.
The Faculty (1997)
In this Robert Rodriguez actioner, Elijah Wood and Josh Hartnett lead a band of students, whose Ohio high school gets all “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” with teachers — and, eventually, other students — having their beings taken over by squirmy, invading aliens. The teen cast is rounded out by Usher and Jordana Brewster, while Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie and Jon Stewart play the possessed teachers.
Back to the Future (1985)
Like the teens in “Project Almanac,” Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) operates a time machine in this enduring classic, only his comes in the groovy form of a souped-up DeLorean. With mad scientist Doc (Christopher Lloyd) at his side, Marty gets to see his parents in high school, too, and secure their romantic fate.
Donnie Darko (2001)
In this twisted film noir, Jake Gyllenhaal plays the eponymous teen who discovers wormholes and weird powers with the aid of a demonic bunny. What sounds like a disaster on paper became one of the great film gems of the 2000s, co-starring Drew Barrymore and Gyllenhaal’s real-life sister, Maggie.
Weird Science (1985)
Teen buddies played by Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith get more than they bargained for when they build the perfect babe (Kelly LeBrock) via nuts, bolts and a little computer savvy. The teens end up with a whole lotta woman, but they also end up in hot water with their families, their hearts and a bully of a relative (Bill Paxton).
Chronicle (2012)
Every child wishes for superpowers at some stage, but “Chronicle” shows the consequences that can come from having preternatural gifts. Budding stars Dane DeHaan and Michael B. Jordan play two of three high school boys who gain telekinetic abilities after exposure to a fallen meteorite, of sorts. Eventually, sudden nosebleeds are the least of their biological problems.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
182059191
182059011
