David Nutter made his directorial debut with this fantasy thriller, attempting a switch on
The Stepford Wives premise. The Clark family moves from Chicago to Cradle Bay, and Steve Clark (
James Marsden) is cautioned by Gavin Strick (
Nick Stahl) about the separating factions at the local high school, where the Blue Ribbons, a club of robotic perfect students, rule. Gavin claims a conspiracy is afoot, and sure enough, he turns into an ultra-perfect himself. Rachel Wagner (
Katie Holmes) joins Steve in investigating, and they soon suspect school psychiatrist Dr. Caldicott (
Bruce Greenwood), a neuropharmacology specialist. The soundtrack contrasts alternative rock with tunes by Barry Manilow,
Wayne Newton, and
Olivia Newton-John. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide