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Plot

David Nutter made his directorial debut with this fantasy thriller, attempting a switch on The Stepford Wives premise. The Clark family moves from Chicago to Cradle Bay, and Steve Clark (James Marsden) is cautioned by Gavin Strick (Nick Stahl) about the separating factions at the local high school, where the Blue Ribbons, a club of robotic perfect students, rule. Gavin claims a conspiracy is afoot, and sure enough, he turns into an ultra-perfect himself. Rachel Wagner (Katie Holmes) joins Steve in investigating, and they soon suspect school psychiatrist Dr. Caldicott (Bruce Greenwood), a neuropharmacology specialist. The soundtrack contrasts alternative rock with tunes by Barry Manilow, Wayne Newton, and Olivia Newton-John.
MPAA Rating:
R for strong violence, sexuality, language and drug content.
Genre(s):
Drama,Action,Horror
Run Time:
83min.
Theatrical Release Date:
07/24/1998
DVD Release Date:
01/05/1999
Distributor(s):
MGM/UA
Director(s):
David Nutter
Starring:
James Marsden , Katie Holmes , Nick Stahl , Steve Railsback , Bruce Greenwood
Themes:
Suburban Dysfunction,Mad Scientists,Fighting the System
Tone:
Cynical,Moody,Ominous,Tense,Paranoid,Slick
Keywords:
adult [vs. child],brainwashing,conspiracy,leader,mind-games,one-against-odds,perfection,small-town
Country of Origin:
USA (07-24-1998)
Language:
English