AllMovie

Within the silly confines of the direct-to-video action genre, this retread is fairly typical. Model/actress Angie Everhart, among others, provides the T & A, while formerly respected actor Treat Williams continues his undercover sting operation in the world of low-budget quickies by handling the ass-kicking duties for the third time in a row. The plot for this installment is actually fairly comprehensible and the military academy setting even injects a little variety into the franchise. Kitted out in fatigues, and, in some cases, swastikas and buzz cuts, the young actors (such as Scott Miles) acquit themselves with professionalism if not inspiration. Given the proportion of Hollywood action flicks that merely break even or actually lose money, it's hard to make fun of a movie like The Substitute 4, which probably earned money for its producers thanks to its microscopic budget and easy distribution via rental outlets and cable channels. This is a film that knows its audience, doesn't insult it, and delivers more credible action, a sturdier plot, and more famous bare breasts than it needs to. In short, The Substitute 4 exceeds its admittedly low expectations.