The Skulls III (2004)

Clare Kramer lifts this one

I bought this one only because I saw gravedancers and I thought Clare Kramer was good in that. I did not see the second Skulls movie, but I thought the first one was okay. (not great - just okay). This was a decent movie if you want to kill a couple hours. It is pretty predictable and the resolution is obvious early on, but it is fairly entertaining. Clare (who is in virtually the entire movie) does a good job carrying the film, although for all her character's struggles with conscience and the tragedies that have led her to this point, I thought she was kind of shallow when she got what she wanted. She was also a bit unbelievable as the most competent of the pledges trying to make it into the Skulls. She was the best man in the group. I don't see those guys as the future movers and shakers of America. Barry Bostwick was solid and the rest of the cast did a decent job. I would recommend this movie based on an interesting (if not completely original) concept, sincere acting, and a lack of bad language. I've never been one who thought that foul language just for the sake of foul language added anything to a film. It's nice when you find a film that doesn't abuse it. May 25, 2007

[Out of Five] Not bad, Clare Kramer is fine, but...

This Series is running out of steam. See
it on TV if you can, but see the first 2
in the Series first (Who's?) Barry Bostwick
[he's better in Leslie Nielsen's 'Spy Hard]
is also diabolical in here about Fraternity
boss who has plan to infiltrate his Co. into
US Military with help of CLare's father - until
killed by his son (!) at the end. Good ending! June 29, 2006

Don't waste your time...

If you're a guy, the only real highpoint of this movie is Clare Kramer, although the the character that she plays is rather self-righteous and annoying.

The thing that gets me about this movie is the fact that her character is really indignent that such sexist group like the Skulls is allowed to opperate on campus, but when they relent and allow her to joing, she has no problem with becoming a member of an elitist secret society. That's modern feminism for you, I guess.

Story wise, this movie isn't all that thrilling, and to say that it isn't predictable would would be rather deceptive. There's just nothing about this movie--aside from Claire Kramer--really worth talking about, and there is no way that I'd ever recommend it.
June 11, 2006

NUMB SKULLS

Clare Kramer's passionate and controlled performance elevates this SKULLS entry, possibly the most effective of the trilogy. She plays the daughter of a former Skulls member who challenges their "no female" rule and manages to get herself inducted into the secret covert society. As in the other two SKULLS, a murder occurs with the requisite coverup and it's up to Kramer to expose the organization. The movie has some tense moments and avoids some tired cliches of the other two. Bryce Johnson is the sleazy Roger, and his involvement in the scam is surprisingly resolved. Vets Barry Bostwick and Len Cariou round out the cast and while everything's fairly predictable, a few twists at the end are refreshing. November 6, 2005

Oh, Don't Bother ... Just Another One with a Female Lead

Claire Kramer (TV's 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and one of the cheerleaders in 'Bring it On') takes the lead of this new sequel to 'The Skulls.' The story about the secret society is not much different this time though, except one thing; instead of a male, a female student delves into the underground world ruled by Barry Bostwick (TV's 'Spin City').

In fact, little difference can be found, compared with the first Skull film featuring Joshua Jackson, so it's more like a retread of the original rather than a sequel. You get a curious, and very ambitious female student in college, who because of her personal reasons is willing to be a member of the secret society. She takes no for answer, as you see, and uses her knowledge about laws to have the authority bend the rules.

And ... if you think there's more to it, you're utterly mistaken. The rest of the film goes on the beaten road, with the 'trails,' 'branding' etc., and finally you see a bloody crime committed. Though Claire Kramer is surprisingly good, the film remains so predictable and unexciting.

The first film had a curiosity value, when you see the thinly-disguised references to Yale, and the real-life Skull and Bones society, even though the film seems to have taken much liberty with the facts (whatever they may be). Now it's just another tired thriller with cliched items. If you have seen the first one, just skip this. December 12, 2004

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