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Bad Education
By Martin Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Excellent performances make tepid subject exciting.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Bad Education
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Based on 3 parent reviews
Great acting, good movie
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Worth watching
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What's the Story?
In BAD EDUCATION, Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) is a popular superintendent in an up-and-coming Long Island school system. When student reporter Rachel (Geraldine Viswanathan) conducts a routine interview about a massive construction project at the high school, Tassone encourages her to take herself seriously as a journalist, not knowing it will lead her to dig deeper than he could have imagined.
Is It Any Good?
As far as crime stories go, embezzlement isn't always the most thrilling subject. But Bad Education turns a relatively simple story about an administrator caught stealing money into a compelling drama, thanks to a nimble script and spot-on performances by Allison Janney, Geraldine Viswanathan, Ray Romano, and especially Hugh Jackman as central character Frank Tassone. Teens might not be riveted by the storyline, but parents who have dealt with schools on any level will be intrigued to explore this world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the school system. Is it unusual to see this kind of corruption?
What are Frank's character flaws? What are the unethical things he does as superintendent? What clues do we have about Frank's motivations? What drives him? Do you think he wants to get caught? Why or why not?
Do you think that Bad Education has something to say about the U.S. educational system or this community in particular? What is it trying to say?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 25, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: September 8, 2020
- Cast: Hugh Jackman , Allison Janney , Ray Romano , Geraldine Viswanathan
- Director: Cory Finley
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Indian/South Asian actors
- Studio: HBO
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: High School
- Run time: 108 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 25, 2023
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