 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
School for Scoundrels
- Review Date: February 12, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Dismal comedy about nerds trying to be cool.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie isn't suitable for kids -- plus, it's just not a very good movie. It's got everything going against it -- foul language, poor behavior, crude humor, and slapstick violence that's so not-funny that it really isn't funny. Save your hard-earned dollars for something better. That said, because Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) stars, kids will be begging to see it. So please take some time to talk about the movie with your kids so you can add your two cents.
What's the story?
Roger (Jon Heder), a hapless meter reader plagued by anxiety and low self-esteem is smitten with Amanda (Jacinda Barrett). To gain the courage he needs to ask her out, he enrolls in a confidence-building class taught by the seedy Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton). Aided by his assistant, Lesher (Michael Clarke Duncan), Dr. P pushes the envelope with weird methods guaranteed to unleash your inner animal. His other students include Walsh (Matt Walsh), who's dying to move out of his mom's basement; Diego (Horatio Sanz), a reluctant punching bag for his wife; and Eli (Todd Louiso), who just wants to find a nice girl. But it turns out that Dr. P gets a little competitive with his students, which means one thing: They have to beat him at his own game.
Is it any good?
Based loosely on the 1960 British film School for Scoundrels or How to Win Without Actually Cheating!, this is another juvenile buddy flick along the lines of Old School and Road Trip, also directed by Todd Phillips. But it likely won't acquire the cult following of those movies, thanks to a few minor details -- like, oh, directing, casting, and writing. The film lacks the energy of Phillips' earlier movies, and the pacing and comedic timing are dismal. It's a complete disaster.
Heder is completely miscast. He has one emotion -- goofy -- and when he tries to act scared or serious, it just ends up right back at goofy. He also has zero chemistry with Barrett and Thornton. Thornton is a formidable actor, but this is likely the worst film he's ever made. The rest of the cast members, including the usually great David Cross and Sarah Silverman, are just killing time, waiting for the end credits to roll.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about constructive ways to improve confidence and self-esteem. What tools and behavioral techniques might be helpful? What should you do if someone you trust turns out to be a jerk? Why is it never OK to make fun of other people? What should you do if you see others being made fun of?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Four F Bombs In First 15 Minutes
I saw this in the theater and thought it was really funny even though it was on the very edge of being too crude... when i rented it on DVD, i didn't realize it was "Unrated" and was surprised to hear at least 4 F bombs in the first 15 minutes, as well as multiple GDs, SH's, and other colorful words. I don't know about the rest of the movie because i turned it off. Disappointed to find there is no PG-13 version on DVD. What a bunch of losers.
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AGE
Very Well Done
I just saw this movie tonight, and it was great! Billy Bob Thorton was Hilarious! Great movie to see with a bunch of friends!
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AGE
lousy movie, not for kids, teens and up.
Parents need to know that this movie is not for kids. 14 and up definitley.
plus it's not very good. they cold have done a much better job withh it over all. they plot was lame, the lines were lame with a lot of profanity.
there is a paint ball gun turmiment,
doctor P trashes Amanda's apartment, and frams Rodger for. he writs "Suck me" on her dog, and wirtes a fake letter to Rodger's boss saying that Rodger loves him. rodger steals lobsters from the restrunt a sets thhem free. the swearing is very strong.
strickley for teens 14 and up
if your kids want a good John hedder movie, take them to see the benchwarmers.
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AGE
The Unrated Version (DVD) Is A little much
The unrated version that is out on DVD has a lot of bad language and would be rated R in my opinion. I was not expecting that. Not appropriate for children.
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AGE
Turned it off
I made a deal with my 14 year old that he could rent it BUT if his dad and I thought it was innapropriate, we would turn it off. We got 5 minutes into the movie and shut it off after they kept saying "t--s" over and over and over.
NOT A MOVIE FOR KIDS UNDER 17
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AGE
well ummmm
Well ummm this has VERY VERY bad language and it is really confusing abou if witch person is really good or or lying to each other. If your child is ok with lots of language i geuss its ok. This movie is also very funny but in inappropreat ways.
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| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Todd Phillips |
| Cast: | Billy Bob Thornton, Jacinda Barrett, Jon Heder |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 28, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | February 13, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | for language, crude and sexual content, and some violence. |
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