School Spirit

School Spirit is a supernatural romantic comedy film from 1984, primarily directed by Alan Holleb. Although Alan Holleb had little to no recognition in his post-directing life he was a relatively well-known writer in 80s American television. In the film, Billy Batson (played by Tom Skerritt) is an older man, not a high school student, which contradicts the misleading title. He has been longing to share a romantic moment with his love, Sandy (played by Amy Weber), but the only barrier between them is their lack of preparation. This unfulfilled desire prompts Billy to make a desperate move by purchasing a condom at an all-night roadhouse. However, his excitement turns to tragedy when his speeding car collides with another vehicle. Unbeknownst to Billy, this calamity results in a divine intervention: Billy's soul enters a realm, only to come back as a supernatural being with the ability to become invisible at will. The main character Billy struggles with his new ethereal abilities and the realization that he can no longer interact with his loved ones in the physical world, which creates tension for the film's protagonist as well as the audience. To overcome this challenge, Billy decides to focus on one ultimate goal: he has to make contact with Sandy and reignite her passion. As an invisible entity, Billy is in a unique position to observe Sandy's life from afar and to intervene discreetly, albeit subtly influencing the course of events. Billy encounters some difficulties in maintaining his relationships with his loved ones, but through his experiences and trials, he grows as a character. His actions become more subtle, yet effective in manipulating those around him to bring him closer to his beloved Sandy. Meanwhile, Billy struggles with keeping his existence hidden due to the potential consequences that would arise if he gets discovered. Throughout the story, his character develops from being a somewhat self-centered, frustrated soul into a selfless being who is driven solely by a love that transcends human understanding. This unusual film tackles themes related to love, selflessness, and ultimately redemption. The plot develops at a steady pace and explores complex emotional undertones while maintaining a relatively lighthearted tone, balancing humor and poignancy in various key scenes. It explores the depths of human emotions, particularly that of love, which often drives characters to overcome impossible obstacles in pursuit of their desires. Ultimately, Billy becomes a testament to the power of enduring love, demonstrating how even death cannot destroy the strong bonds that connect people. His unyielding dedication to Sandy motivates him to face challenges, both as a physical and an invisible being, and to find a way to rekindle their love and connection. In doing so, the film offers a poignant and memorable conclusion to Billy's journey, highlighting the significance of true devotion and the enduring nature of love.