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The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option

2001·Movie
1h 31min·R
IMDb4.7Rotten Tomatoes17%34%

Where to watch

PrimeThe RokuThe CWAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsTubi TVAmazon MX Player

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option fingerprint

High energy, light on feelings.

Energy

Brutally violent and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Violence9
  • Adrenaline8
  • Fast Pace8

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Catharsis6
  • Pathos4
  • Hopefulness4

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy3
  • Dark Humor3
  • Wit & Wordplay2

World

Everyday modern life and crime

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Intrigue7
  • Acting6
  • Narrative Structure6

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Editing7
  • Cinematography6
  • Sound Centrality6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightParty VibeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

Skip it if

Graphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

A former mercenary joins a military academy as a teacher. He soon discovers a neo-Nazi group, code-named Werewolves, formed among the cadets. He also quickly finds that they have military leadership among the officers at the Academy.
Action-PackedMilitary ThrillerUndercoverNeo-Nazi ConfrontationViolentGrittyPolitical IntrigueExplosive

Crew

Directed by:
Robert Radler, Karen Davis, Marty Jedlicka
Written by:
Alan Ormsby, Roy Frumkes, Dan Gurskis
Produced by:
Robert Radler, Thomas J. Busch, James F. Tarzia
Composed by:
Stephen Edwards, Marti D. Humphrey, Andy Peach

Sequels and Prequels

GoodWatch30
Poster for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option

Media

Questions about The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option legally?

PrimeThe RokuThe CWAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsTubi TVAmazon MX Player

The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on The CW, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option worth watching?

30
BadGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 31/100 (IMDb 4.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 17%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option rated?

RViolenceStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?

1 h 31 min

The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option runs 1 h 31 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?

Critics17
Audiences41

Not quite. Audiences rate The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option higher (41) than critics (17). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

What language is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?

22ARATAUBOCACHCLCOCRDEECGTINLU+8

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option in 22 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.