Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent performances make tepid subject exciting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bad Education
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 Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : HBO
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate