
Genres: Com
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, John Michael Higgins, Lucy Punch, Jillian Armenante, Matthew J. Evans
Director(s): Jake Kasdan
Available Quality: Hi Def
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Available Quality: DivX, Hi Def, iPod, Hi Def, Hi Def
IMDB Rating: 5.7 out of 10 (54003 votes)
A comedy centered around a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague -- a move that pits her against a well-loved teacher.
Karl Self (24 May 2012)
I saw this in a special presentation in a cinema full of teachers. Andjudging from their guffaws they seemed to enjoy the movie.Liz is a brassy blonde who, at the end of her thirties, is on the vergeof fulfilling her lifetime ambition: marrying a rich simpleton. Butthen his mum calls of the wedding, and Liz has to return to her reviledbreadjob as a middle school teacher. To her never-ending amazement, allher other colleagues -- the middle-aged loner, the hippie, the preppygoody-two-shoed apple-cheeked nightmare -- seem to actually enjoyteaching spotty dropouts. The script does an excellent job of lining upevery comedic angle of the dreary hell that is school life and linkingit together with a fast-paced storyline. Cameron Diaz is excellentbecause she isn't afraid to actually look old, spent and wrinkled (butnever unfoxy), and Phyllis Smith and Lucy Punch also stand out amongthe excellent cast. Justin Timberlake -- eye candy for the ladies, incase you wondered. The soppy, romantic, test-audience-compatible ending-- best ignored.This is an enjoyable light-but-dark comedy that everybody who has hadanything to do with school life can dig. And I hope that most peoplehere have encountered a school at some part of their lives.
rgkarim (24 May 2012)
I'm not going to lie; my first thought after seeing the trailer forthis movie was, "Oh great another movie about a provocative teacherthat is addicted to drugs, drinking, money, and sex." My judgment wasmostly correct for this movie, but I am happy to say that there was alittle more plot and surprise to this movie then I expected. As one has seen time and time again in the trailers, Bad Teachercenters on the very attractive Ms. Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) amiddle school teacher who has no interest or skill in teaching who isbent on leaving her school after just one year of working. However,after her rich fiancé breaks off the engagement for her money seekingways, Elizabeth finds herself back in the trenches of the JAMS staff.The cheap laughs begin to pour in from the first day of school asHalsey has the class watch movies about amazing, honest, andinspirational teachers providing that humorous irony. However, thelaughs are also provided by various other characters such as Ms.Squirrel (Lucy Punch) providing that quirky, ridiculous, and energeticone liners and Lynn (Phyllis Smith) who brings that innocent andignorant comedy to the table. Halsey's immature, drunken slanders, and cliché one liners intimidatethe kids in the movie, but seem to charm Russell Gettis (Jason Segel)the lowly gym teacher with a heart of gold. Gettis, and most of theaudience during the show, found Halsey's constant jokes to behilarious, fun, and rather entertaining. Although I found it funny atfirst, I grew tired of the same comedy and words being thrown at meover and over again, never really deviating from alcohol and drugs.When Mr. Scott Delacorte (Justin Timberlake), arrives the floodgatesfor sex and boob jokes opens up and is introduced to the audience.Although Timberlake may have performed a fantastic role in The SocialNetwork, his character has been greatly diminished to a naïve,impressionable, boob obsessed nerd who provides a little bit of comedy,but really nothing special. Instead Delacorte acts more as a tool usedto spur jokes from Squirrel and Halsey, typically centered on rivalryfor the watch heir's heart. Despite the flood of vulgar comedy, I did laugh at some other comedicstyles found in this film. In particular I enjoyed Segel's comedy asthe dialog was well written and perfectly timed, though a few of hislines matched the same style as Diaz's character. I enjoyed hisinteractions with the kids, in particular the sports argument with oneof his students. The comedy styles of Diaz were okay for me, butnothing really new of what we have seen in the past. Diaz still bringsthat don't mess with me/don't care attitude that grew stale with herconstant repetitions. However, her sarcasm, devious nature, and herdelusional view of herself were entertaining at most times. Lucy Punchplayed her part well as the annoying, chipper, and over achievingteacher, but I did grow tired of her as well. Many times I think thedialog was written to make her too air headed or attempting to be toofunny, which annoyed me more than anything. However I must admit herAl-Gebra terrorist line was very hysterical for me and cleaver. Perhaps the most entertaining comedy for me though was a combination ofLynn and Kirk, Halsey's roommate. Lynn in particular relieved theaudience from Diaz/Segel's comedy by saying some of the most innocentlines ever. Other times, she would take forever to make a decision andher reactions to the consequences were hilarious. Kirk on the otherhand provided that dumb and ignorant comedy that made me think of Joeyor Chandler from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I was in tears from some of his linesand although he was only in a few scenes, he somehow managed to stealthe show for me and make him the highlight of the movie. The last thing I wish to mention is the large amount of predictabilityin this movie. Many times I could see the jokes coming or see thedirection the thin plot was heading, which made the movie lessenjoyable for me. Most of the shenanigans the cast pulled were not themost original and even the changes in character could be seen thirtyminutes before they happened. However, I am happy to say that theending to the movie did catch me off guard and I applaud the film crewfor the twist in the movie, though I will not reveal it to you.Overall Bad Teacher is not that Bad, it's just definitely not original.The comedy is slapstick, beat you over the head comedy, the acting islots of fun, and it's a movie with a good fast pace that keeps itinteresting. Throw in some great comedic timing, a little comedicdiversity, and of course that classic car wash scene from the trailerand you get a fun Friday night movie. The bottom line is I give thismovie somewhere between a 6.5-7.0 and highly recommend it forNetFlix/Red Box. My only advice for those who wish to see it in thetheaters is to get there before the trailers start, because I found alot more laughs in the trailers than I did in the movie. Until next time my friends, enjoy!
Robert W. (23 May 2012)
I have to start by mentioning a review I read that called out how theyrelated to the lead character in Bad Teacher...yah that would make youa masochist and psychotic. I know that rude and over the top crudecomedies are all the rage right now and its easy to see why becausesadly they are insanely popular (Bridesmaids, Hangover etc.) but thisis just plain stupid. Bad Teacher gives us one of the most unlikable,stupid, main characters I've ever seen in a film. You expect thatsomething profound will happen that will change her and make her abetter person but that never happens and then just to add to thestupidity someone actually falls for her which makes no sense becausethe character does not have a single redeemable or attractive quality.She lies, cheats, steals, does drugs, sleeps her way through men...andsomehow that's supposed to be funny? The only redeemingly funny part ofthe film is the over the top performances by some of the supportingcast because otherwise this would literally be the worst movie I haveseen in MONTHS, maybe years. I can't believe this trash made money.I am not a big Cameron Diaz fan but she has done some really goodfilms. She is better than this absolute crap where she plays the badgirl and looks ridiculous doing it. She's too old to be playing thissort of juvenile and stupid character. There's Something About Mary wasprobably one of the grossest crude comedies I've ever seen and eventhat was miles above her performance in this crapfest. She should begiven every Razzie award for giving us this awful character. Lucy Punchplays the high strong, annoying fellow teacher who is optimistic abouteverything except Diaz. Her performance at least gives you some smilesalthough she really grates on the nerves by the end of it. JustinTimberlake plays the shy and insatiably positive substitute teacher andis probably the single only redeeming performance. Timberlake is agreat comedian and its unfortunate he got caught up in this trash.Jason Segal is a master of gross out comedy but he is completelyunderused in this film and he is stuck with a character who blindlyfalls for this beast of a 'woman' for no reason at all. What does helike about her? Her violent streak? Her acting like a whore? The drugproblem? The romance is dead in this film completely and theirchemistry is less than zero. The best part of the film are the smallroles played by supporting cast members Phyllis Smith and John MichaelHiggins who are actually funny in their roles. Unlike most publicschool comedies, the kids are hardly used whatsoever but that's notsurprising giving how adult the comedy is in the film. But they stillmanage to be completely inappropriate towards children in the film.Director Jake Kasdan helms the picture and I'm genuinely surprisedbecause he comes from a lengthy career in directing Television withcult favorite 'school' dramedy Freaks and Geeks. He's also one of theminds behind this seasons terrific new comedy New Girl. I can onlyimagine he was tricked into this as was everyone else involved. Youcan't really blame the writers either because co-writers GeneStupnitsky, and Lee Eisenberg come from writing The Office but afterthis garbage turn Ghostbusters fans should be really afraid that thesetwo are writing that screenplay next. Bad Teacher is utter crap and Ihope to never see it again. There is some very minor moments of guiltylaughter but my only hope in mankind is that this is only scored a 5.8on IMDb which is still too high. Do yourself a favor and seek outsomething much better. 4/10
(22 May 2012)
Thank goodness I rented this movie before actually buying it. It wasn't even funny at all. I am greatly disappointed and thought it was going to be good! The creators really missed a lot of opportunities to make a fantastic movie!
(22 May 2012)
I am a huge Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake fan, but even they could not prevent this movie from being an epic fail. This movie is just awful. I tried to figure out why, as I was watching it -- and there was time to mull this over, as I was completely unengaged in the stupid story -- and I came to the conclusion that it's not the actors' fault at all. It's a repugnant story to begin with, and and unfunny, soulless, pointless script.Think "School of Rock" without a shred of wit or charm. Think "Stand and Deliver" (the movie this teacher shows in class day after day as she sleeps off last night's binge) without any drama, heart or morality. Cameron Diaz plays a hugely unlikable witch with a B, who hates everybody and everything, including kids. She's borderline abusive in her teaching duties. Of course all the good and decent people, you know, the good teachers, who enjoy their careers and love kids, they are of course made out to be morons.So the main character is detestable, and her behavior as a teacher is unbelievable. What teacher sits in the car in the parking lot and gets loaded, even having a conversation with a student while hitting the pipe, and is allowed to just keep working as a teacher? She sits at her desk and ignores the kids, swears at them, mocks them, throws things at them...and these are young, middle-school-age kids. It is ridiculous, unbelievable, and disturbing, but on top of that, the movie commits the worst sin for a comedy: IT'S. NOT. FUNNY. I don't think I even smiled in in the hour and 15 minutes I gave this dreck before turning it off.Recommendation: Oh good grief, no. If some night you have a choice between watching "Bad Teacher" or staring at a blank wall, choose the wall.
chandra-201 (21 May 2012)
Jake Kasdan as a director doesn't have much of a resume, but he doeshave the comedic chops and timing, and he proved this with theunderrated Walk Hard. With Bad Teacher, he did not have as much goodmaterial to work with but could have still helped the movie if he hadtightened the first third of the movie better. There was a lot moreunnecessary fluff in the first half of the movie compared to the secondhalf. Smaller plot lines were never resolved, certain jokes literallyfell off without a punchline, and certain situations were brought upbut never explored. Many concepts were also never explored: especiallythat of how shallow and shady we all become towards each other in theworkforce.Bottom Line: Bad Teacher was a great idea, poorly executed, butrelentlessly saved by the energetic cast. This movie could have mixedthe dark charm of Bad Santa with the subtle workforce ridiculousnesshumor of Office Space to become something very, very special. Butneither style of humor was dwelled upon deep enough. The first half hadits laughs, but was far too convoluted and was salvaged mainly becauseof the hilarity of Cameron Diaz. The movie definitely picks up later,but by then its too late, the potential was wasted. Either way, youwill certainly laugh, you will remain entertained, but will also bebothered by what it could have been.
(20 May 2012)
This supposedly funny movie about a bad teacher who supposedly redeems herself doesn't do anything but bore and stupefy. How was this movie made?
(19 May 2012)
I absolutely loved this movie! I did not have high expectations going in as the last couple of comedies I've seen were full of bathroom and vulgar humor combined with hysterical outbursts which seems to be the trend in comedies these days. But I found "Bad Teacher" to be quite refreshing in that respect. I'm surprised at how many people find this movie to be degrading to women and teachers - as a woman and a former teacher myself I really enjoyed it and did not find it offensive one bit. I would highly recommend this movie!
costelush93 (19 May 2012)
I've just seen this movie and I feel like it's one of the worst I'veseen in a while. The writing is terrible, the whole idea of the movieis just silly and it has no substance if you think about it. It shouldend in like 10 minutes but a ridiculous amount of details andunnecessary events are being integrated into the flick. This movie issupposed to be funny because it's regarded as a comedy but there isn'ta single scene that brought a smile to my face. The only attempts werethose typical tainted tendencies of American humor ( I don't want tooffend anyone here but it's the truth ): sex jokes, swearing, thatain't funny folks.I feel like I've wasted one hour and a half of my life by watching thisbut I don't want to complain. The only reason I kept watching till theend was for Cameron Diaz because she's a good actress but this moviejust wasn't for her in my honest opinion.My advice is not to waste time on watching it but if you're reallybored or want to give it a chance because of Diaz you can but be aware,it isn't a joyful ride.
Tim Kidner (18 May 2012)
I was brought down 30 years to a besotted teenager again, as 'hottie'Cameron Diaz becomes every pubescent boy's dream teacher and she's bad.Bad at almost everything, for that matter!Very much like Billy Bob Thornton's "Bad Santa", this is an adult post-pub late evening grubby comedy that is boisterously and often raucouslyfunny. Especially when seen in a group of those of similar gender andoutlook.Yes, every cliché is explored and exploited and by far the funniestbits are when the pot-smoking, dangerously driving and self-centredegotist Elizabeth Halsey (Diaz) is doing just that. Her out-and-outquest to finance bigger boobs surgery simply to net a wealthier andmore financially sustaining husband and the way she bulldozes her wayover and through everything and everyone is gloriously OTT and veryentertaining.What don't work, though, are the romantic elements, which if anything,detract rather than add to the movie. Bad Teacher only loves herself,let's leave it at that. Justin Timberlake, as the suitor on her radarlooks rather stupid and awkward and the gym teacher whose advances shecontinuously declines, Jason Segel just looks too creepily inadequatefor her personality to persuade us that 'that's ever gonna happen'.Brit Lucy Punch is very funny/annoying (depending on personal choice)as another teacher with, shall we say, some very odd personalafflictions as well as teaching ones.There is some very strong language and toilet "humour", which I've longrealised is an essential part to any US comedy these days (& which I'drather do without, thankyou!). There are some sexy scenes too - checkout the car-wash antics, with Diaz posing those 1970's pin-up poses(spray, lying over the car's bonnet, you know the sort of thing).Bad Teacher could easily slip into 2/10 or 8/10, depending on how youlike your humour. Somehow, I feel I should give it 5/10,but I enjoyedit a lot for the most part and thus have gone for between 6.5 and 7.
trulycanadian1 (18 May 2012)
Great film lots of laughs ! I know that after reading all these horrible reviews everyone is goingto think that this movie sucks... In all reality some viewers seem tohave lost track of the fact that the film is rated R. The majority ofnegative comments are most likely coming from the stereo typical viewsof those very people who in the film were made to seem ridiculous.A.K.A all the mothers who are still most likely listening to therechildren's poetry hahaha. Cut the umbilical people and lighten up thisis an Adult Comedy Rated R so don't rate the film as if you wereexpecting to watch Bambi on family night.
Berlinerin (17 May 2012)
That dry humping scene is the most skillful comedy I have seen in awhile. Both Cameron and Justin rock it. To be expected from Cameron asa more established comedic actress - but Justin - wow, he's reallybecoming a skillful comedian. And there's definitely chemistry and easebetween those two in that scene.As a total movie, Bad Teacher has its predictable elements but I lovedthe casting. Cameron is spot-on as the rebel placed among the teacherswhose most rebellious act is to sit at the back of the room at a staffmeeting. Cameron and Justin are red hot and this is nicely balanced bythe craziness of Justin's sympatico love interest. Definitely worthwatching twice.
Saad Khan (16 May 2012)
BAD TEACHER Â CATCH IT ( C+ ) Bad Teacher is not as funny as it is inthe promos. The best thing about the movie is that Cameron Diaz is asgood or should I say Better than she seems in promos. Bad Teacher'spremises Is really interesting and R-rated humor makes it blunter. Theonly thing it's lacking is characterization, if Cameron Diaz characterhad more characterization then movie would have been brilliant. CameronDiaz is truly amazing as Bad Teacher, this role is truly for her andshe proved yet again that she is one of the best female lead comediansaround. Justin Timberlake provided the perfect freshness and weirdness.FYI watching real life Xz Justin Timberlake Dry Humping Cameron Diazwas really Awkward. I don't remember watching dry humping in movieslike Ever and then between JT and Cam, never imagined that! Jason Segeldidn't get much scope but Lucy Punch was hilarious. This girl haspotential if right character is provided. Overall, Bad Teacher is agood concept but poorly executed. Cameron Diaz saves the movie for me.Flawed but Worthy.
Christopher Haviland (16 May 2012)
A truly uninspired comedy with lackluster writing, weak plotting, andvery little comedy. Apparently conceived to capitalize on thebathroom-humor fad, this entry by the makers of The Office should havegone through more rewrites, and perhaps -- dare I suggest it -- givento some other writers for some fresher comedy and character arcs thatactually make sense. Cameron Diaz plays Elizabeth Halsey who has no interest in teaching.When the movie opens, she's already been there a full year. I can'timagine how she made it through the first year without anyone realizinghow horrible she was. She quits the job because she's found a richboyfriend and is using him for his money, but her boyfriend's motherwises up and their pending wedding is canceled. So she must return toher dreaded job, and based on what we see on screen she's soincompetent that it seems ridiculous that the principal and the schoolboard never notice. It would have been far more believable if she had been a new teacherwho was forced into the role for some clever reason. Maybe she shouldhave been trying to make moves on the principal, who became love blindand pulled strings to get her the position -- which she didn't want butneeded to take in order to get something out of the principal sheneeded. She's a user in the extreme, superficial to the last, with nomoral values that I can see. So it makes no sense for her to have everpursued teaching as a career.Now, it is normal for characters to grow and transform as the storyprogresses. That is what story's are all about, in fact. But Halseydoesn't grow or transform at all. She only "tries harder" at teachingso that she can win a contest to get money to pay for a boob-job, whichshe believes she needs to attract another teacher who comes from awealthy family. When her students seem to be failing to meet thestandards she needs, she finds a way to steal the answers to the schooltests so that she can train up her students on how to pass it (theydon't show how she manages this). This plot works, but she is caught byanother teacher. Does this teach her a lesson? No, she adds blackmailand other tricks to her list of crimes and wins that battle too. By the end of the movie she has not redeemed herself at all, and I hadto wonder how these writers can consider themselves professionals.I'm giving the movie a 5, which is being nice. Cameron Diaz is too goodfor roles like this, she needs to choose more carefully.
norcalgal64 (14 May 2012)
Most movies move through a plot where the characters go through ajourney to an end. This movie is all about crass language (includingthe "C" bomb), a woman with no redeeming features and just poor tastejokes at the expense of children. And the main character doesn't learna thing... She's just as crass and tasteless at the end as she was atthe beginning.I have lost a lot of respect for Cameron Diaz for choosing to be partof such a tasteless script. There's really no message in this film, nostory, no resolution and definitely no morals.Hated this movie completely.
MovieProductions (13 May 2012)
** out of (****)"Bad Teacher" is politically incorrect, exuded a few giggles out of me,and left me with a better impression on Diaz. That's about as much as Ican say for this film. The problem with Diaz's latest film isn't thatit's bad or not well done because those would be harsh statements, it'sjust not as good as it could've been. I will say though that that dryhumping scene was just awkward, not erotic in any sense of the word,and left me hanging. "Bad Teacher" revolves around the namesake character role who has toteach for a leaving after getting dumped by her ex. Along the way, shegets more indulged in her teaching when she finds out that the classwith the highest scores gets a bonus. The question I'm sure everyone wants to hear is how funny the movie is.And to answer, it was funnier than I expected but just not as much as Iwould've liked. It seems like the film always resorts to foul humor,which is okay, but always being titillating and pushing the envelopegets tiresome. How's Cameron? She's okay. Although, I have to admit I wasn't very fondof her but this movie made me start to like her more. She seems like afit actress (not just literally but metaphorically speaking). And lastly, how does this film stack up to other raunchy R-ratedcomedies of the year? Well for one, it's slightly better than "NoStrings Attached", but nowhere near as great as "Bridesmaids". I'mcurious to see how "Friends With Benefits" stacks up.All in all, I had a fun time with "Bad Teacher". It had its moments andentertained for most of the time, but I felt it could've been more thanwhat it was. Let's just hope more R-rated comedies raise to theirfullest potential.
Flavian Alexandru (10 May 2012)
While Cameron Diaz never quite struck me as an Oscar Award Winner, thishas to be the all time low of her performance as an actress. The truthis that her name still manages to sell and the movie made a more thanreasonable amount of money, but for the viewer looking for a full andgreat movie experience, this is something they can skip. The plot is really shallow and the movie is basically made to makemoney and I think it is pretty safe to say that it has nothing to dowith art. Justin Timberlake might have stepped up a notch with "Friendswith Benefits", but this is beneath even him.The characters are really poor in what concerns the artisticimpression, so don't expect this movie to be nominated for an Oscaranytime soon. If you are looking to kill some time in the afternoon,then yes watch this movie, but if you want to see a great movie andtruly enjoy it, it's probably in your best interest to skip this one.Would I watch it again? That is a definite no. I want my money back!
Blah (09 May 2012)
It was entertaining, a little amusing, but lacked something overall. There was potential. When it was funny it was funny, but when it wasn't it really wasn't. The scenes shown in the trailers where overall the best parts. Surprising amount of cursing, and sex and drug related things. Not horrible stuff just unexpected.
loren3-345-774327 (08 May 2012)
Crass, crass, crass and without any class. The film has no redeemingqualities whatsoever. How can these stars sign on for such garbage? Ireally don't get it. I was a waste of a good idea. The film could havebeen funny without being so crass. Anything for attention? Consideringthat our films are exported to the rest of the world, it's no wonderthat extremists want to kill Americans. All Americans do not have theminds of 14-year old mentally handicapped boys. Crass, crass, crass andwithout any class. The film has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Howcan these stars sign on for such garbage? I really don't get it. I wasa waste of a good idea.
flashorton (08 May 2012)
Like a lot of you, I saw the low IMDb score and decided I would givethis a pass. I thought it would be tacky and trite and clichéd andawful. But it's not. It's really funny. A lolcano.The storyline is predictable enough to not distract you from the mainobjective, which is to laugh at the cast of dimwit teachers and naivekids being chewed up and spat out by raunchy, manipulative, potty-mouthgold-digger Diaz. The plot line may be predictable but the humour isanything but.If you like Cameron Diaz, Jason Segal and Timberlake (and I do, and youshould) then trust them, trust me: ignore the low score that comes froma lot of people expecting something cutesy and tame. This movie isawesome.
Review total: 20, showing from 1 to 20