A secret society of white males establishes a cult based on the violence of war and participates in corrupt activities that supercede the law for political gain. No, this is not a documentary about the New York City Police Department; The Skulls is a story about fraternities on steroids. Luke McNamara (Joshua Jackson, Dawson's Creek) attends an Ivy League college (the name of the school is never specifically mentioned, although the letter "Y" is prominently featured throughout the film). Joshua is a middle-class guy who earned his way into the school with intellect and athleticism. But he is stressed out by the burden of student loans and an uncertain future of getting into law school. He believes his problems are solved when he is recruited by the titular organization that promises wealth, power, and prestige. Of course things turn out to be the exact opposite of what he expected, leading to a bizarre conclusion that involves an Alexander Hamilton-like duel. Director Rob Cohen (Daylight) makes his film as slick looking as it is improbable. The main flaw is that if this organization, which claims to have founded the CIA, is so secretive, why does everyone know it exists? (PG-13) Rating: 3
