B-
While most students are busy working towards a degree this fall, the students in "School for Scoundrels" are struggling to earn B.S. - and that's not to say Bachelors in Science.
The film visits the familiar plot of an underdog trying to win the heart of a popular girl. Roger, played by Jon Heder ("Mama's Boy"), tries to overcome personal obstacles with the help of an unusual mentor, Dr. P., played by Billy Bob Thornton ("The Ice Harvest"). Although this movie may seem like a generic comedy, it offers a bit of originality that allows it to succeed in the end.
Thornton once again plays the delightful badass, which seems to be the only redeeming quality in an otherwise flaccid film. Director Todd Phillips, known for his past success in "Road Trip," "Old School" and "Starsky & Hutch" has again created another blatant comedy.
Before he comes to the school, Roger is beset by a string of embarrassments that include panic attacks and fainting in public. When he is given the phone number of a man who is thought to be able to help him get over his bad luck and personal issues, things begin to look up.
Unfortunately, Heder's portrayal of Roger closely mirrors his performance in "Napoleon Dynamite." It would be refreshing to see Heder play a more zealous role that would break the cycle of typecasting.
Dr. P is an instructor that teaches a class made of what he refers to as "prey." He attempts to make the class of losers into a class of "lions." In a lesson, he said, "If you want something, take it."
Dr. P's right hand man is Lesher, played by Michael Clarke Duncan ("Talladega Nights"), who serves as the intimidator in Dr. P's class. Lesher scares fellow students throughout the film because he has been known as an intellectual tyrant from previous classes.
As the film zips along there are many cameo appearances from stars such as Ben Stiller ("Madagascar") and comedian Sarah Silverman ("Rent"). Their presence rounded out the content of the film, complementing Thornton's skilled comic timing.
"School for Scoundrels" may not be the most original film to come out this fall, but if you're looking for a laugh, it's worth the trip to the theater.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
