(Joshua Gilmore-Staff Writer)

At the 2016 Los Angeles Days of the Dead convention, I was able to attend a screening of the comedy/horror throwback “Getting Schooled” This movie takes place in early 80’s, as a group of students enter their high school for Saturday detention. These students are your “A-typical” John Hughes group and every high school social class is represented, from the princess to the loner outcast and everything in between.

This might sound very familiar, but you will learn quickly that this nostalgic road trip is about to hit some horrific backroads and the main speed bump comes in the form of the student’s wheel chair bound teacher, Mr. Roker. Roker is not your typical “push over” teacher, as he is a Vietnam vet and it is the ghosts from his past that unleashes hell on the session of detention and the students become the focus of this teacher’s rage.

The cast of “Getting Schooled” was an excellent gathering of talents and their character’s evolution could challenge most big budget movies. In the world of independent filmmaking, especially in the horror genre, poor character development can lose an audience and the cast of “Getting School” stay clear of that potential roadblock.

There is a fine line in a comedy/horror movie, one side is a great movie and you can’t wait to recommend it to everybody, then the other side of the line is a late night Sy-Fy channel movie that you want to quickly forget. Also, with most nostalgia movies, it’s too easy for a film to have an 80’s theme and beat the viewer over the head with this idea, with “Getting Schooled” this concept isn’t aggressively forced upon the viewer and flows with the story that is unfolding.

“Getting Schooled” is a movie that I can see growing a great cult following, as it continues to be seen in conventions and festivals, then gaining a long life through streaming services and theaters. The word of mouth on this movie will continue to grow and I am glad to be a part of that, as I cannot wait for my next chance to see this movie. 9 out of 10.

CLICK HERE For Nowhere California’s Interviews With The Cast And Crew Of “Getting Schooled”