School for Scoundrels

Given the fact that this loose American remake of a 1960 English comedy—about a young bumbler who enrolls in a class that teaches self-confidence—hails from Todd Phillips (the writer-director of Old School) and stars Jon Heder of Napoleon Dynamite fame, the natural assumption would be that School for Scoundrels is a raunchy, brainless farce aimed at adolescent males. But the film proves to be a pleasant surprise: yes, there are a few paintball shots to the crotch, some dumb-guy humor, and cameos that fall flat, but there's also an underlying sweetness that comes close to lifting the movie past the needlessly sophomoric touches and occasional comic miscalculations. Heder plays Roger, a shy, clumsy fellow who joins the course taught by Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton), a rude, abrasive instructor who brutally berates his students and puts them through endless humiliation. Unfortunately, Dr. P selects Roger as a special target, not only for his own pleasure but also as a kind of classroom exhibit, and the two become embroiled in a rivalry over a girl Roger has long coveted. A mixed bag that may disappoint different segments of the audience for different reasons, School for Scoundrels' relative restraint in an age of appallingly coarse comedies still nearly earns it a passing grade. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Todd Phillips and writer Scot Armstrong, “The Making-Of You Didn't See on TV” featurette (20 min.), a four-minute alternate ending, a four-minute gag reel, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a better-than-average comedy.] (F. Swietek)