This very interesting but sadly underrated gem directed by Sean S. Cunningham ("Friday the 13th") offers an original variation of both the revenge thriller and vigilante action movie, since it has ordinary common high school teenagers in the lead roles. Basically this means the film begins with harsh but fairly harmless bullying but yet ends with extreme violence and relentless murder. The transition obviously isn't very plausible, as mean bully kids don't just turn into mad dog killers overnight, but "The New Kids" is nonetheless a competently made and occasionally very suspenseful thriller with tons of action, likable performances and an irresistibly charming 80's atmosphere. Following the sudden death of their beloved parents in an accident, athletic siblings Loren and Abby McWilliams move to Florida to help restore their uncle's ramshackle amusement park. They promptly run into conflict with the local school's gang of bullies because Abby refuses to accept an invitation to the dance from the tough leader Eddie Dutra. The mutual mockeries and paybacks gradually escalate into pure terrorizing until, one night, Dutra's entire gang invades the theme park with the intention to kill. Cunningham professionally builds up a tense and ominous atmosphere towards a highly explosive and grisly climax with some ultra-brutal killing sequences and engrossing make-up effects. The extreme violence will undoubtedly appeal to fans of 80's slashers as well as cheap and sleazy exploitation flicks of the 70's. The film benefices from an exceptionally great cast, with veteran B-movie stars as well as upcoming talents. Particularly James Spader is excellent and genuinely uncanny as the sleazy leader of the pack. Highly recommended to all type of cult movie fanatics.
Review of The New Kids
