Like some critics are saying, this movie is similar to "Brick". But the thing is there can only be a certain amounts of different genres, types and styles of films. So for a detective story to happen in a high school setting in a over exaggerated, unrealistic, and fantasy like style is fine although it's been done before. I mean there is tons of movies for a certain type of genre, but you hardly see people whining about similar styles in films and go see it anyways. So "Assassination of a High School President" is it's own film, as a matter of fact it would have worked as a fresh sequel for "Brick". Now is it better than "Brick"? I don't think so. And if I had to compare it to "Brick" this is complicated but not as intelligent, not as convoluted but also not that much in depth, less heartbreaking but comedic. Also main character in this film just isn't cool or slick as Brendan from "Brick", but that could be his charm. Sophomore newspaper reporter Bobby Funke is assigned to write a cover story on Paul, the popular class president and top athlete. After a stack of SAT tests is stolen from the office of a bada** principal Kirkpatrick(Bruce Willis) and Bruce Willis is the main reason I decided to check out this film. Funke publishes an expose that names Paul as the prime suspect and, suddenly, Bobby is the hot shot on campus. But when Paul's girlfriend who is the hottest girl in school makes a move on Bobby and even his former bullies lay off his back, Funke begins to doubt the jock's guilt and everyone else's motives. And his investigation uncovers a campus wide conspiracy that threatens to take down people in high places in school. Funke must decide to either stay as the new stud on campus or decide to tell the truth, although he is sort of forced to go with the other option. The build up was good but the ending wasn't that satisfying because it was simply far fetched, had plot holes and just wasn't that creative, but passable.
7.4/10
7.4/10