Film Snail

7.0

Dangerous Minds

R·1995·99m

Drama

Summary

Former Marine Louanne Johnson lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.

Cast

Michelle Pfeiffer

Louanne Johnson

George Dzundza

Hal Griffith

Courtney B. Vance

Mr. George Grandey

Robin Bartlett

Mrs. Carla Nichols

Beatrice Winde

Mary Benton

John Neville

Waiter

Lorraine Toussaint

Irene Roberts

Renoly Santiago

Raul Sanchero

Wade Dominguez

Emilio Ramirez

Bruklin Harris

Callie Roberts

Marcello Thedford

Cornelius Bates

Roberto Alvarez

Gusmaro Rivera

Richard Grant

Durrell Benton

Marisela Gonzales

Angela

Toni Nichelle Buzhardt

Nikki

Norris Young

Kareem

Rahman Ibraheem

Big 'G'

Desire Galvez

Taiwana

Wilson Limpo

Roderick

Raymond Grant

Lionel Benton

Veronica Robles

Stephanie

Michael Archuleta

Oso

Deshanda Carter

Tanyekia

Ebony Jerido

Deanne

Brandi Younger

Grip

Asia Minor

Pam

Karina Arroyave

Josy

Paula Garcés

Alvina

Ivan Sergei

Huero

Mark Prince Edwards

P J

Ismael Archuleta

Lalo

Skye Bassett

Jody

Gaura Vani Buchwald

Warlock

Cynthia Avila

Mrs. Sanchero

Roman Cisneros

Mr. Sanchero

Camille Winbush

Tyeisha Roberts

Al Israel

Mr. Santiego

Brian Anthony

Joey

Jason Gutman

Adam

Lara Spotts

Diana

Danny Strong

Student

Boris Vaks

Student

Irene Olga López

Woman #1 / School Office

Jeff Feringa

Librarian #1

Sarah Marshall

Librarian #2

Freez Luv

Security Guard

Rico E. Anderson

Teacher (uncredited)

Janette Andrade

Student / Gang Member (uncredited)

Nathan Bexton

Extra (uncredited)

J. Neil Bloomer

Extra (uncredited)

Michael George

Musician (uncredited)

Kim Giancaterino

Restaurant Patron (uncredited)

Sarah Krasner

Restaurant Patron (uncredited)

Bern Martinez

Security Guard (uncredited)

Victor Togunde

Extra (uncredited)

Crew

Director

John N. Smith

Novel

LouAnne Johnson

Screenplay

Ronald Bass

Reviews

talisencrw

May 20, 2016

This would have only been ordinary because it's simply adequately directed, has an entire cast of unknowns save for the star, and is from a cliché-riddled script, but this is honestly one of Michelle Pfeiffer's more interesting performances. While she's not entirely convincing as a career-Marine, she's certainly more so than Demi Moore, who tried the stunt not long afterwards, and she's certainly believable as a caring teacher. An intriguing film for Simpson and Bruckheimer to be associated with, this was back in the day, after her career-defining 'Catwoman' role in 'Batman Returns' that she was still getting great starring roles (I greatly look forward to checking her out opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in 'The Age of Innocence'). My favourite work of hers will always be in 'Scarface', but this is right up there IMHO--some really fine acting by her. It's simply a shame only one note was asked of her--had it been a more multi-dimensional character (ie., love or family interests--I've read a possible romance scene with Andy Garcia was left on the cutting room floor so they could focus on her interaction with the students), it would have been even more inviting to watch.