School Ties

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Chris O'Donnell, Matt Damon, Cole Hauser, Ben Affleck, Amy Locane
Directed by: Robert Mandel
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
1992

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A Jewish football star (Brendan Fraser) transfers to a wealthy boarding school in the 1950s. He immediately fits in- but only because he decides to keep his faith a secret. He soon believes he has everthing he ever wanted- but must work hard to keep his secret, or risk losing it all.

Review:

Tim: School Ties is a movie whose legacy lives on in its cast, rather than the actual movie itself. The biggest reason to see this movie is to see Brendan Fraser, Chris O'Donnell, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck all on the screen together. The casting director here did a terrific job, and this foursome is pretty enjoyable to watch on screen, before they became big stars. However, there is also quite a bit to like about this movie. While I didn't love it, I was indeed entertained, and I think this is a good movie.

I appreciate a film that explores the antisemetism that pervaded much of America during the 50s. It is almost strange to think about it today, but it was apparently a big deal only a few decades ago. This movie does a good job of showing how bigotism can exist in otherwise "civil" environments. However, the movie isn't completely about showing the prejudices against Jews. It is also a very good high school movie and a sports film as well. All of these different aspects do make the film occasionally feel disjointed, but also contribute to a well-rounded, realistic feeling as well.

As I mentioned, the cast is impressive. Brendan Fraser does a very good job in the lead role. He is believable as a quarterback, Jewish, and actually a really good person. He has that perfect balance where we believe he truly is a good kid at heart, but not so overwhelmingly perfect that he seems too one-dimensional. I thought he played the part extremely well, and is greatly responsible for much of this film's success. I really enjoyed him here.

The supporting cast is very good as well. Chris O'Donnell does a good job, but he wasn't given very many opportunities to showcase his ability. He has a few important moments, but I wish he was given more to do. Matt Damon does a good job as the film's "villain." He also balanced his character out well- he isn't likeable, but you begin to understand why he is the way he is. It would have been very easy to overplay this part, but Damon ensures the character has some humanity as well. I liked seeing Cole Hauser and Ben Affleck, but neither actor had enough to do to make much of an impact. Still, seeing all these actors together is an enjoyable experience.

While I enjoyed School Ties, I am also very aware of the film's flaws. The movie is a little too convenient and predictable. There aren't any real surprises, or moments that try to show us something we haven't seen before. The movie unfolds exactly as you would expect it to, which does detract from the film. I was also surprised that the emotions of this film never reached the heights that they were capable of achieving. I was entertained, but I never really felt anything toward any of the characters. I liked Fraser, but I wasn't emotionally invested in him. I believe that the predictable quality of this film hurt this aspect- I never doubted it would all work out in the end (and the film telegraphing everything in advance didn't help), so I never felt like there was any danger here. This movie is good, but it isn't as good as it could have been. Still, this film features a great cast, an important story, and is well worth watching.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



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