Recent Reviews for School for Scoundrels
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MCT:September 4, 2008An unlucky meter reader enrolls in a confidence-building class so he can win the love of the girl of his dreams. The class turns out to be something quite different when it becomes clear to the young man that his professor has his sights set on the same girl.
This is a very, very typical movie. As soon as one sees the leading lady, the plot outline is clear: guy charms lady, guy seemingly betrays lady, guy gives speech, guy gets girl in the end. It's annoying how, in a movie filled with actors I love, they couldn't manage anything over okay.
Don't be mistaken, though; there are some very funny moments in the movie. Seeing Heder nail Billy Bob over and over again on the tennis court was probably the highlight of the movie for me. Some parts are so typical it hurts, though, like the ending in the airport. Every plot "twist" was so obvious that it had me laughing, in a bad way.
3/5 -
MCT:August 26, 2008A very funny film. I haven't liked Jon Heder since 'Dynamite' so it was nice to see him doing a good role.
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MCT:August 16, 2008
Jon Heder is something else..
Thornton & Duncan.. fabulous as always
A cameo from Ben Stiller.
Still a tad lame. But definately worth a re-run -
MCT:August 9, 2008Dr. P: Every once in a while, a shepherd has to pluck a sheep from the herd and challenge him. It lets the man know he's worthy of leading him.
Roger: Well, you know what? I don't want to be a shepherd anymore!
Dr. P: You're not the shepherd, DUMB ASS, I'm the shepherd! Its called an analogy, moron!
Roger: Look, you dont understand. Everything was going so well between us.
Dr. P: Well, clearly I'm sure you're just days away from adopting a Chinese kid together. -
MCT:July 15, 2008Bad Billy Bob! Is he ever going to make a good movie again? This movie was just Adam Sandler's ANGER MANAGEMENT all over again, only not funny.
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MCT:July 15, 2008It was cute. There were some funny parts in the movie. It's about a group of wimps, that go to a school, to learn how to grow a pair and stop taking crap. It's cute to see once; I would recommend it for that.
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MCT:July 12, 2008Funny flick, BBT is a cut up scumbag and does good in that role. Jon Heder does a good job. Story's OK. Really did'nt need Ben Stiller. Barrett could've been better. An easy going funny flick.
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MCT:July 11, 2008
Not bad. Has funny moments and Billy Bob Thornton as a grumpy, grouchy, sinister, clever villain. The film is filled with cliches though.
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MCT:July 9, 2008
What happen with B Bob Thorton and Jon Heder i love this man in Napoleon Dynamite, but all theyre last movies has been a disaster. I was wondering if the director is in love with Jon, just watch the way they take him, Hmmm interesting
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MCT:July 3, 2008
"There are two kinds of men in the world: those who run shit, like me, and those who eat shit, like you."
School for Scoundrels is a straightforward contemporary comedy: dexterous characters, genuinely hilarious moments and a few fascinating plot twists. It's the furthermost thing from an evocative, profoundly thought-provoking experience; however if you enjoy quality comedy with a number of pleasant laughs then this is undeniably a film to rent. I had elevated expectations for this film, particularly due to the cast. Jon Heder from Napoleon Dynamite, Billy Bob Thornton from Bad Santa, as well as a minor role portrayed by Ben Stiller. The plot also operates on an appealing premise of a battle of wits concerning two characters. Don't anticipate some form of masterpiece. Instead, settle down to watch School for Scoundrels with refreshments; assuming an undemanding, light-hearted comedy flick encompassing masses of merriment.
School for Scoundrels is a remake of an old 1960s film of the same name. The plot suitably mirrors said original film, logically enough. Roger Wadell (Heder) is a beleaguered, underachieving New York City meter maid inundated with countless issues of trepidation and a shockingly depleted level of confidence. One of Roger's friends wishes to assist him in overcoming his feelings of meagreness, and encourages him to enrol in a highly confidential school conceived to help people build confidence. This school is run by the dastardly Dr. P (Thornton). He's aided by the intimidating Lesher (Duncan) as he unleashes his sometimes dangerous methods of developing confidence in his students. Dr. P's goal is to encourage his students to consider themselves as lions in an animal kingdom - and it's a battle to become the leader of the pack. Soon enough, Roger's level of confidence begins to elevate and he finally becomes assertive enough to get involved with long-time crush: his Australian neighbour Amanda (Barrett). Roger is the stand-out student in Dr. P's class, but this prompts Dr. P to employ a more unorthodox method of instilling additional confidence: destroying Roger's professional and personal life. Through the eyes of Dr. P nothing is too far. Alas, an elaborate battle of wits emerges between the two men.
School for Scoundrels may seem like your standard, average contemporary comedy made for a quick buck. However, this film isn't as terrible as one would be expecting. The major stand-out is the solid script held together by a stellar cast and an able director (Todd Phillips, who also helmed Starsky and Hutch). Like all modern comedies, the film is skilfully made and unproblematic to watch. The film lacks laughs in the first half, but then things start looking up into the second half. There are loads of hysterically funny moments to witness during the film's second half. These laughs are slow to get going...nevertheless the wait is definitely worth it. Prepare to be laughing uncontrollably. I will admit that the film is slightly formulaic and clichéd. Then again, the film isn't as clichéd as I was expecting. Surprisingly, the screenplay manages to avoid succumbing to some clichés and still contains a hint of unpredictability.
The characters seem to be nothing more than a bunch of worn stereotypes; however despite the shallow material the cast pull off their roles excellently. Billy Bob Thornton, as always, accomplishes his role with tremendous skill. He plays one heck of an arrogant bloke, though. He suits the role: charming but deceptive. Of course, Jon Heder is another great addition to the cast. Heder is certainly entertaining enough to cover up many shortcomings in the script. Ben Stiller has a small role, but he's extremely memorable. Just his facial expressions had me in stitches, let alone his hilarious voice. Jacinda Barrett and Michael Clarke Duncan are also very talented in their roles.
Overall, School for Scoundrels is a simple comedy that makes for highly enjoyable viewing. Sometimes it's extremely clichéd; however the film is bright enough to maintain your interest throughout the running time. Although critics generally panned the movie, I unquestionably recommend it for a pleasant night of satisfying laughs and interesting characters. Reasonably forgettable, but still a lot of fun. -
MCT:June 16, 2008Fuck was it ever easy to hate Billy Bob in this movie. What an assclown. I thought this would be funnier, the only thing that made it really funny to me was Michael Clarke Duncan and Ben Stiller. Mikey because he's such a giant fuckin' black man, and Ben Stiller because he's just funny lookin'. All in all though, could have been better and funnier, rather than just pissin' me off.
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MCT:June 10, 2008I loved this movie i was not expecting this good of a movie great acting by billy bob and jon heder loved the ending and it shows the teacher can become the student or don't make your students smarter then the teacher. I also have to say i laugh out loud many times which is rare.
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MCT:June 4, 2008
muy cool, jon heder, he gets better and better every day...muy comico su papel y la trama muy buena, lo mas q me gusto fue q mencionarion a australia en ella jaja =P
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MCT:June 1, 2008
There were some laugh out loud moments (the highlight being when Jon Heder pushes himself off of his coworker), but for the most part, an okay effort.
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MCT:May 30, 2008
Wow...Billy Bob and Jon could be the new Old Couple. The laughs are non-stop...you cant help but laugh every other minute. If you need a great laugh, this is the one.
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MCT:May 27, 2008
Yep, I just can't get enough of Billy-Bob. The story was the completely reverse of what I thought it was going to be, which turned out to be a funnier concept.
Billy-Bob does sarcastically irritating exceptionally well.
The film kind of reminded me of Anger Management , but with more of a twist. -
MCT:May 25, 2008
This movie has a bunch of halarious scenes. Billy Bob Thorton and Jon Heder bring this movie to life. I'm not so sure it would of been near as good with any other actors but them, but because it is them, I say 5-stars!
Funny, great plot, great actors, and a fun to watch film. I personally think it was Jon Heders best film yet. -
MCT:May 19, 2008
This movie is hilarious.Billy Bob Thornton hits another grand-slam with this movie.I highly recommend this movie.
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MCT:May 8, 2008
An unlucky meter reader (Jon Heder) enrolls in a confidence-building class so he can win the love of the girl of his dreams. The class turns out to be something quite different when it becomes clear to the young man that his professor (Billy Bob Thornton) has his sights set on the same girl. Thornton is, of course, a natural choice for the scoundrel teacher and he delivers a good-and-slimy performance. Barrett is beautiful and touching as the love interest, adding greatly to the film's enjoyment. Heder, although a good comic performer, seems all wrong as a romantic lead. But, perhaps it is a bit refreshing for someone without the knockout good looks to go for broke in the love department. This movie could be compared to any comedy where the underdog must overcome the odds to win the girl. Regardless of the predictable plot, the comedy is clever and fun.
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MCT:May 6, 2008
I enjoyed this movie. It had twists I wasn't expecting and was quite funny (maybe just because some of the phrases are ones I often use). Michael Duncan was freaking hilarious in my opinion.
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MCT:April 19, 2008
I've never seen any of John Heder's movies but this guy is so funny. I liked this movie a lot more than I thought I would. Great!
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MCT:April 14, 2008some interesting aspects are in this movie about a loser that could be found in a dictionary, nothing more... but road trip was crazier and old school was manic ;) simply bad, this piece
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MCT:April 3, 2008
Another funny flick from Todd Phillips, its not Old School but its good. Billy Bob Thorton is great, this guy needs to do more comedy.
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MCT:March 24, 2008
incredible! so cool. Has it all except action but it still rocks. Strong performances from lead actors.
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MCT:March 14, 2008
With only a few light moments of laughter, this is a pretty average movie. Although Jon Heder and Billy Bob Thornton dont dissapoint, the storyline lacks that special something that makes a movie great.
