Toy Soldiers

When a notorious Colombian drug dealer is extradited to the US for trial, his son (Divoff) invades a school for problem students with his crack terrorist squad, planning to kidnap the judge's son. The boy has been removed, but there are enough errant offspring of famous fathers to provide the necessary leverage. As police and army surround the booby-trapped school, five tough young under-achievers (led by Astin) and two wimps play their part in keeping America safe for democracy. The kids' attainment of self-respect and adulthood through sabotage and risky business is achieved at considerable cost, with Petrie pulling no punches in his depiction of violence. The exciting action set pieces, likewise, are staged with a verve and skill above and beyond the call of duty.