One of the popular myths about USA is the idea that anyone who is fortunate enough to live in that great democratic country can, with sufficient hard work and talent, reach top positions in business and politics. In reality, just like in the rest of the world, Americans are more likely to succeed in life if they have right parents or right social connections, sometimes even formalised through memberships in exclusive social clubs or secret societies. One of such groups, which was relatively obscure until 2000 presidential election has put spotlight on George W. Bush as its member, was Skull and Bones, centuries-old students associations at Yale University whose members used to be most powerful and influential businesspeople and politicians in the country. Fictional version of the same society serves as basis for the plot of The Skulls, 2000 thriller directed by Rob Cohen.
Although the name of the university is never explicitly named, the plot takes place at Yale. Protagonist is Luke MacNamara (played by Joshua Jackson), student who has recently became painfully aware of its modest background. Born in poor family, he is forced to pay his tuition by working as a waiter and his dreams about enrolling to prestigious Harvard Law School are looking increasingly unattainable, just like Chloe (played by Leslie Bibb), beautiful classmate whose rich family would have never approve relationship from someone from blue collar milieu. Thankfully, Luke happens to be an accomplished rower, and after bringing victory to university team, he becomes candidate for membership in The Skulls, secret elite students’ society which is subject of wild rumours. Convinced that The Skulls would help him solve his financial and other problems, he accepts invitation and, following bizarre initiation, it looks like he didn’t make a mistake. Head of society is influential judge Litten Mandrake (played by Craig T. Nelson) while new members enjoy unimaginable perks like company of supermodels, keys to new sports cars and pile of money suddenly appearing on bank accounts. The society in exchange demands absolute loyalty and maintaining its secretes, which is the reason why Luke has falling out with his friend Will Beckford (played by Hill Harper), black journalism student who hates secret societies. When Will apparently comitts suicide in suspicious circumstances, Luke begins to investigate, convinced that the person behind it might be his “brother” from Skulls, Mandrake’s arrogant son Caleb (played by Paul Walker). His efforts, however, bring hostile reaction from Skulls which has enough of its people in judiciary and police to prevent its dirty laundry brought to public. Luke is suddenly forced to fight for his life.
Although it is in its essence a standard high concept thriller, The Skulls at times gives impression that its authors genuinely tried to explore the hidden side of American social elite and it way it propagates its power through top academic institutions. Script by John Pogue is using convincing and realistic characters and the moral dilemmas facing those characters is something that most people, even in much more banal circumstances, could be familiar with. Unfortunately, realistic setup is compromised with typically Hollywood-like execution and direction of Rob Cohen who tries to spice up the plot with bizarre rituals and Gothic scenery only for the ending to feature unconvincing scenes of brawling, car chases, gun fights and explosions. What makes The Skulls watchable is good cast which includes Joshua Jackson, actor known mostly for his work on television, in one of rare film starring roles. Paul Walker, who would soon afterwards become star of The Fast and the Furious franchise, is also good as arrogant youth from privileged family who actually hides serious inferiority complex. Leslie Bibb, on the other hand, isn’t convincing in routine role of protagonist’s romantic interest, while Craig T. Nelson routinely plays the villain. The most interesting member of the cast is William Petersen in small but impressive role of powerful Southern politician who managed to become part of establishment despite poor upbringing; Petersen plays the role in a way that could be interpreted as chillingly convincing impersonation of Bill Clinton. However, despite their efforts and intriguing premise, The Skulls isn’t the film that is likely to be remembered by those who watch it. It was critically panned after premiere, but it has sufficient box office for two direct-to-video sequels - The Skulls II and The Skulls III.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/ Leofinance blog https://leofinance.io/@drax.leo
Unstoppable Domains: https://unstoppabledomains.com/?ref=3fc23fc42c1b417 Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax Bitcoin Lightning HIVE donations: https://v4v.app/v1/lnurlp/qrcode/drax Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax 1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
