Bad Teacher

Bad Teacher gets a B+, and that grade may be slightly generous. It’s a decently funny movie, but there are not a lot of redeeming qualities about the film. I cannot say anything that truly separates it from other comedies. However, I can say that Cameron Diaz is fantastic. She does a great job of being a “bad teacher.” Her characterization is on another level. You've never seen crude, dirty, Cameron Diaz, and you definitely get her in this film. She's fun.

I know what the film was attempting. It made an attempt at being an outlandish, over-the-top, comedy about life as a middle-class school teacher, and what that working environment is like, on a parodied level, where each character, is in fact a caricature. On a basic level, this was successful. However, I feel that each character was so excessive, it was difficult to find any realism in the film. That is what makes comedies funny-being able to draw the parallel between the ridiculous comedic situation, and the small bit of truth of that situation in your real life. I think this movie lacks that. The characters and the acting is over-done. Jason Segel is the only realistic, normalized character in the movie. His character was a relief, but I found myself only wanting to watch him.

Justin Timberlake. I could write a book on this man. That’s how in love with him I am. However, outside of Saturday Night Live, I think his comedic film endeavors fall flat. As much as it pains me to say this, I do not think he’s great in the movies I have seen him in thus far. I thought he was “good” in Black Snake Moan and “good” in Alpha Dog. He was an amateur actor in these early films, though, and I never expected a performance worthy of an Oscar nod. I LOVED The Social Network, as did most people. Again, I didn’t think JT’s performance added anything special to the movie. I thought his portrayal of Sean Parker was caricature-like. I did not think it was very realistic. I felt as though it was over-done. I have yet to be overwhelmingly impressed, especially since he’s getting good roles in major movies, with major actors and directors! Don’t get me wrong-I love him. I think he’s one of, if not the most talented person in Hollywood. His roles just aren’t “doing it” for me like I hoped they would. However, Friends With Benefits, his new movie, and biggest role yet, with Mila Kunis comes out Friday, and I heard it’s hilarious, so I’m definitely optimistic.

Overall conclusion: The movie is decent. You will certainly have a few laughs. And I would still recommend it. If you happen to have an uneventful afternoon heading your way in the near feature, and perhaps you’re in need of a few cheap laughs, go see the “Super Bargain Matinee” at your nearest cinema and check this one out.