Mix one bright young woman loaded with potential, the high school jock who believes that his election into the high school council and winning the state championship are the most important thing in life, and a strict and at times demeaning teacher and you have Killing Mr. Griffin.

The film opens with introducing Susan (Johnson) a bright young woman who strives not only for good grades but also acceptance. When she is humiliated by the harsh Drama teacher Mr. Griffin (Jay Thomas) she collaborates in a prank…with the “cool kids” to “get even.” Scott Bairstow plays the leader of the “cool kids”; who is an arrogant young man who believes that he is entitled to do whatever he pleases because he is considered athletic and popular. However, his bubble of narcissism is popped by Mr. Griffin, who embarrasses him when he gets his 6th tardy in Mr. Griffin’s drama class.

This inspires Mark (Bairstow) to equally embarrass Mr. Griffin by kidnapping him and making him plead for mercy on camera then show the tape to the entire school. However to lure Mr. Griffin into his trap he uses Susan’s desire to be popular to involve her in the sinister plot. Things take a turn for the worst when Mark and his gang leave Mr. Griffin in the forest while they attend the big game. When they return they make the shocking discovery that Mr. Griffin can no longer be counted among the living…

Susan, driven by guilt, must then piece the clues together to discovered who killed Mr. Griffin while trying to stay alive herself.

Video

This is a transfer from a 1998 print for a “Made for TV movie” so one wouldn’t expect too much from the video, and it isn’t much to brag about. The picture is sharp enough although a little dark at times. As this is a “TV movie” it is presented in 1.33:1 format.

Audio

The 2.0 Dolby Digital mix is quite flat with a lack of any punch whatsoever. This is quite evident during party scenes where the music is barely discernable. The music, what little there is not really even split between either speaker and whenever there are unidirectional actions on the screen, it is not represented in the audio.

Special Features

On the back of the disc the Special Features are listed as: Full Screen Version, 2.0 Digital Stereo, Digitally Mastered, Scene Access, Interactive Menus and Optional English Subtitles. What do you expect for a “Made for TV Movie?” Since when is “Scene Access” considered a special feature?

Final Thoughts

Essentially this is a morality play in which Susan tries to balance her desire to belong to a popular group with a desire to do the right thing. If she opposes the group she will be exiled, but will help her teacher whom she once had respect for. On the other hand if she helps the group humiliate Mr. Griffin, as he had humiliated her, she will be with the “in crowd.” This is then contrasted with Mark’s desire for power and respect which is reflected in his relationship with his father whom is shown winning an award for salesmanship and indirectly shows his son that prestige is the most important thing in life.

What is shown is that Mark’s desire for power overtakes any morality that he once possessed and becomes all consuming – with disastrous results. While this aspect of this movie was interesting the overall plot was not. The description on the case would have you believe that this is a thriller, but there really isn’t anything scary in this movie. The acting is decent enough but then again one doesn’t expect too much from a “Made for TV Movie.” If you are in the mood for a decent thriller pass on “Killing Mr. Griffin” but if it’s a morality tale you’re in the mood for – give this one a try.

Special Features List

• None