My grade: C +
Where do I start with this movie? I think the best way to describe it is: Tried Too Hard! I mean they actually thought off a half way original idea (besides the slight ripoff of School of Rock), but that seemed to get lost in the attempt to be like the rest of the vulgar comedies. But let me say this first, if you are a teacher and especially if you teach middle school, this movie is a must see. Cameron Diaz plays a money seeking teacher who is always looking out for herself and for the easy way out. She demonstrates the worst teaching strategies ever put forth by any teacher, but through it all she ends up building a relationship, some what, with the students. This movie did a good job of mixing in a couple different styles of comedy. They have a little annoying comedy portrayed by everyone's favorite brown nosing teacher, Lucy Punch (Dinner for Schmucks). Then there's the sarcastic comedy that is so perfectly delivered by Jason Segel. Lastly there is the crass comedy that has so recently become popular. This is where the movie lost a little credibility for me because the sexual comedy is so grossly forced that I don't see the need. I can see the value of a crass joke when it fits into the story, but in this case director Jake Kasdan threw these scenes in the movie without any real flow to them.
I do feel that the awkwardness of the teaching staff was played to perfection form the calm and weirdly "dolphin" principal to the teacher that goes along with what everyone says. Then there's the ever improving Timberlake who plays the so called "got it all together" guy. The overall fit of the movie is really good with several well timed comedic moments. There are a handful of very funny parts where you'll catch yourself laughing out loud slightly marred by a few abrasively sexual scenes. Everyone of viewing age will enjoy this movie but I think teachers will especially catch it wittiness.
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