Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Bad Teacher (2011)

What is it about?

After a woman's goldigging ways are revealed and her engagement is broken off, a junior high school teacher returns to teaching to kill time until she is able to catch the next sugar daddy.

Who is in it?

Cameron Diaz - Elizabeth Halsey

Lucy Punch - Amy Squirrel

Jason Segel - Russell Gettis

Favorite Scene:

While in the car smoking marijuana, one of Ms. Halsey's students walks up and catches her in the act. Halsey then addresses the acts as medicinal, and has some choice words for the girl.

Favorite Quote:

"I have received a call from Mark's dad saying the car wash was a success, and then I got a call from Chase's dad about the car wash being a great success, and then a call from Danni's dad saying we should have a car wash every weekend. So whatever she did, worked."

Review:

I understand that Bad Teacher is supposed to be a comedy, unfortunately, the film leaves a lot to be desired in that category.

First the positives: Bad Teacher has an interesting concept behind it, and has a plot that can be developed into an interesting film if done correctly. Also, Cameron Diaz does a great job as Elizabeth Halsey, the foul-mouthed, no ambition, goldigger. And the rest of the cast was stocked with incredible potential. The talent was there to do so much more.

However, Bad Teacher is a bad movie. It's run at comedy fell flat several times, and it's use of Jason Segel, arguably the film's most interesting actor, was pathetic and pointless. The plot is filled with random occurrences happening to move the plot along. A plot that seemed all over the place in direction, and confused in so many ways. This was combined with poorly defined characters. 

Ultimately, Bad Teacher attempted to turn a foul mouthed, no ambition, scheming against the best teacher in the school, and law breaking character into the protagonist of the story. Hard to do so, and it pretty much sets up the downfall that is Bad Teacher. 

Serviceable film at best. 

Grade: 1.5/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/11/19

3 Up 1. Eva Ramon Gallegos Cure HPV - Could Cervical Cancer be a thing of the past? It very much looks like it as after twenty years of work, Gallegos has found a cure that completely eliminates the cancer. This is remarkable work, and it's pretty awesome to see the Mexican Medical community come together proudly in this achievement. 2. "This is America" Grammy - Finally!! Childish Gambino got some national love for the work he did on this great song, and even more so, on the overall art/video that was "This is America". Of course, he wasn't there to pick it up as the Grammys and their long standing issue with the hip-hop community continues... 3. Women at SOTU - Women continue to be bad ass in the current age. Their solidarity within the Capitol for the President's SOTU was a great sight to see. 3 Down 1. Venezuela Crisis - The country of Venezuela is in absolute shambles right now as they tussle over leadership, and really, a move toward d...

Dear Son, Uniquely Two!

--- 2 Years Old --- Dear Son,  Happy Birthday! I have to get used to you sharing a birthday with Jesus - that's still no easy thing to do.  However, you're now two years old! And while I write this, you haven't really been able to celebrate, more so your birthday. At a mere two years old, you're rife with germs and succumbed to a nasty bug, rendering you sick on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (your birthday), and the days to follow. Everyone here for the holidays was unable to give you that moment, and really, we weren't able to get that moment on your second birthday.  The day aside, I'm grateful for the little guy that you are. In one of my previous notes to you, I mentioned " That's Milo " and you've continued to express that. You're very unique - a character in every way. The complete opposite, thus far, of your brother in so many ways.  Even with your limited speech as a toddler, I love how decisive you are - with your "Yesshhhs...