Working at John Adams Middle School in suburban Illinois, foul-mouthed and lazy Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) is a frustrated seventh-grade teacher. Elizabeth is dumped by her rich fiancé when he realizes she's just after his money, so she sets her sights on new substitute teacher Scott (Justin Timberlake), whose family became wealthy making watches. But geeky Scott goes for big-breasted women; so svelte Elizabeth is determined to raise $10,000 for surgical implants, a decision that leads her to steal proceeds from a class car wash, solicit tutoring bribes from unsuspecting parents, and seduce a state official in order to get a copy of a standardized exam so that she can earn a cash bonus for high test scores. Elizabeth's irresponsible antics—she blatantly drinks booze in the classroom and smokes pot in the school parking lot—infuriate righteous rival teacher Amy (Lucy Punch), although sarcastic gym teacher Russell (Jason Segel) is smitten with the gold-digging instructor. Directed by Jake Kasdan, this crude, unstructured wannabe comedy featuring a self-absorbed and cynically ruthless “heroine” is totally devoid of charm. Optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include both theatrical and unrated versions of the film, deleted scenes (6 min.), a “Way Behind the Scenes” featurette (6 min.), a “Raising More Than Funds” scene-specific segment (4 min.), outtakes (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a “JAMS Yearbook” interactive featurette with cast outtakes, three more behind-the-scenes featurettes (10 min.), a gag reel (5 min.), and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)
Bad Teacher
Sony, 92 min., R, DVD: $30.99, Blu-ray: $35.99, Oct. 18 Volume 26, Issue 6
Bad Teacher
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