This movie features Brad Pitt as someone who's causing trouble at a Southern California high school. A student, played by Donovan Leitch Jr., goes back to his high school near Los Angeles after being in a mental institution and attempts to reconnect with some classmates—Jill Schoelen and Pitt himself. Things quickly spiral out of control. “Cutting Class,” released in 1989, mixes the kind of teen comedy seen in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” from 1982 with horror films popular in the 80s like “Christine,” the "Prom Night" series and the initial installments of “Nightmare on Elm Street.” “The Rage: Carrie 2”, which arrived a decade later, is likely the strongest example of this particular style, though this film adds some humor and a mystery element similar to “Scream.” “The Faculty” also feels comparable. I mention those films because if they appeal to you, chances are you’ll find something to enjoy in this little-known movie. It was Pitt's second time on the big screen following "The Dark Side of the Sun" from 1988. Jill Schoelen, with her dark hair, resembles Demi Moore but has a more charming quality (many will remember her from “The Stepfather”), and Brenda James is memorable as Colleen. I also have to mention Roddy McDowall in his amusing role as the principal. The initial portion of the film works really well for what it sets out to be; it’s skillfully made and has all the expected enjoyable elements. Sadly, the movie begins to falter around halfway through when the chaotic events become less polished. The running time is 1 hour, 31 minutes, and filming took place in Malibu Canyon, Calabasas—a neighborhood—and Norwalk, where the high school scenes were shot; that location is about 17 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. There's also a scene at The Old Place in Cornell, which sits just southwest of Malibu Canyon. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB