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The Substitute

Play trailer Poster for The Substitute R 1996 1h 54m Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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42% Tomatometer 26 Reviews 41% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Inner-city Miami schoolteacher Jane Hetzko (Diane Venora) gets her knee broken when she stands up to the school's gang leader, Juan Lacas (Marc Anthony). Her boyfriend, mercenary combat specialist Jonathan Shale (Tom Berenger), goes undercover as a substitute teacher to take down the punk, but soon discovers that Lacas is merely an underling for the real criminal mastermind. Assembling the team from his last jungle raid, led by his right-hand man, Joey Six (Raymond Cruz), Shale declares war.
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The Substitute

Critics Reviews

View All (26) Critics Reviews
Susan Stark Detroit News Rated: 1/4 Mar 13, 2002 Full Review Kevin Thomas Los Angeles Times There's a sense of shrewd observation throughout The Substitute that makes it come alive and seem quite a few cuts above such usual genre fare. Feb 13, 2001 Full Review Keith Simanton Film.com An angry, white, mercenary movie out to spill blood and beat its manly chest. Jan 1, 2000 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...an appealingly larger-than-life premise that's employed to watchable yet consistently (and disappointingly) hit-and-miss effect... Rated: 2.5/4 Jan 31, 2021 Full Review Justin Brown Medium Popcorn This movie was a mess. Tom Berenger was atrocious. Rated: 1/5 Jan 14, 2021 Full Review Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn This was really bad. It was over the top and completely insane. Rated: 1/5 Jan 14, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (237) audience reviews
Sarah C The plot was choppy towards the end and I dislike unnecessary deaths that don't contribute to anything. If a death does nothing for character development or plot, it's pointless and lowers the movie. Almost all of his war buddies end up dying in the dumbest of ways. It's also clear that after introducing X amount of characters, they scrambled to tie off loose ends and thought the best way to do so was to kill almost everyone off. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 10/15/24 Full Review Jelisije J An ex military man goes undercover as a substitute teacher to uncover who attacked his friend and clean up the school. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/23/24 Full Review Jeremy D I liked watching this movie, but since I really like the genre, that's not really a suprise. The movie does nothing groundbreaking to say the least but I liked how grounded it was despite some questionmarks in judgement. Though seeing how the "A-Team" fought in the finale, it's no suprise the raid in Cuba didn't go well ... Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/18/23 Full Review zachary w I like this old school movie, so why not give it a great rating! Like a mixture of Rambo and Roadhouse in one movie lol. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/29/23 Full Review Jason A Thought this was a good movie. If more people would take care of there street we wouldn't have has much trouble. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/22/23 Full Review Alain M "The Substitute" is a captivating thriller that showcases the extraordinary talents of veteran actor Tom Berenger. Released in [year], the film offers a refreshing take on the often-explored theme of an undercover teacher in a troubled school, injecting it with an edge of suspense and an engaging storyline. One of the standout aspects of "The Substitute" is undoubtedly Tom Berenger's exceptional portrayal of Jonathan Shale, a former mercenary who assumes the role of a substitute teacher to uncover a dangerous drug ring operating within the school. Berenger brings a commanding presence to the screen, effortlessly blending charisma with an aura of rugged determination. His nuanced performance draws viewers into the character's internal conflicts and unwavering commitment to justice. The film's plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The director skillfully balances the action sequences with moments of tension and character development, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging throughout. As Shale's investigation delves deeper, the tension escalates, leading to explosive confrontations and unexpected twists that will leave viewers guessing until the final moments. In addition to Berenger's powerful performance, the supporting cast delivers commendable performances, further enhancing the film's overall quality. Notable performances from Marc Anthony, Ernie Hudson, and Diane Venora contribute depth and complexity to the story, adding layers to the characters' motivations and relationships. "The Substitute" succeeds in capturing the grim realities of a troubled educational institution, shedding light on important societal issues while maintaining its thrilling momentum. It intelligently explores themes of corruption, violence, and the struggle for power, prompting viewers to reflect on the challenges faced by both students and educators in such environments. Furthermore, the film's technical aspects, including its cinematography and score, contribute to the immersive experience. The cinematography expertly captures the gritty atmosphere of the school, while the well-chosen soundtrack complements the tension-filled sequences, heightening the emotional impact of the film. If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers with a thought-provoking twist, "The Substitute" is a must-watch. Tom Berenger's remarkable performance, the gripping storyline, and the film's exploration of societal issues make it a standout entry in the genre. Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled journey that combines heart-pounding action with a deeper examination of the human condition. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Substitute

The Substitute: Official Clip - I Can't Get Higher The Substitute: Official Clip - I Can't Get Higher 2:31 The Substitute: Official Clip - Smile, You're on Candid Camera The Substitute: Official Clip - Smile, You're on Candid Camera 2:18 The Substitute: Official Clip - No Talking in the Library The Substitute: Official Clip - No Talking in the Library 2:22 The Substitute: Official Clip - Power Perceived is Power Achieved The Substitute: Official Clip - Power Perceived is Power Achieved 2:01 The Substitute: Official Clip - I'm the Substitute The Substitute: Official Clip - I'm the Substitute 3:06 The Substitute: Official Clip - Fiber & Flushing The Substitute: Official Clip - Fiber & Flushing 3:12 The Substitute: Official Clip - The Warrior Chief The Substitute: Official Clip - The Warrior Chief 2:26 The Substitute: Official Clip - Jai alai The Substitute: Official Clip - Jai alai 2:27 The Substitute: Official Clip - Too Small Balls The Substitute: Official Clip - Too Small Balls 2:08 The Substitute: Official Clip - Some Things Can't be Taught The Substitute: Official Clip - Some Things Can't be Taught 1:36 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Inner-city Miami schoolteacher Jane Hetzko (Diane Venora) gets her knee broken when she stands up to the school's gang leader, Juan Lacas (Marc Anthony). Her boyfriend, mercenary combat specialist Jonathan Shale (Tom Berenger), goes undercover as a substitute teacher to take down the punk, but soon discovers that Lacas is merely an underling for the real criminal mastermind. Assembling the team from his last jungle raid, led by his right-hand man, Joey Six (Raymond Cruz), Shale declares war.
Director
Robert Mandel
Producer
Morrie Eisenman, Jim Steele
Screenwriter
Roy Frumkes, Rocco Simonelli, Alan Ormsby
Production Co
Live Entertainment, Lionsgate, Mediaworks
Rating
R
Genre
Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 1, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA)
$14.8M
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Stereo, Surround
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