I wasn’t really expecting much going into Bad Teacher, but I’m happy to say I laughed the whole way through. Cameron Diaz is Elizabeth Halsey, a junior high school teacher who’s goal is to find a man to take care of her so she doesn’t have to teach anymore. Ok, so it’s got the basic story arc that you can see coming from a mile away, but there’s lots of zany little distractions that make it worth it.
Director Jake Kasdan (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) rightly shines the spotlight on all the supporting characters in what is almost an ensemble cast. The timing is perfection with just enough of each scene. There are also some really great characters that I just couldn’t get enough of.
First off, Lucy Punch (Take Me Home Tonight, Dinner for Schmucks) as fellow teacher, Amy Squirrel, is just plain funny. Her performance goes right to the line of being over-the-top without going over. She’s definitely one to keep an eye on as more female-centric comedies creep into the mainstream.
The main characters are good, Jason Segal (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) is cute, but he really doesn’t stand out. Justin Timberlake has some great moments, but again, nothing that extraordinary. Cameron Diaz is well cast as the lead, being unapologetic and funny. It was good to see her not being cute, but rather rude and crude. You can tell she really had a good time.
There are also so many good smaller roles that you could tell the actor took just for the opportunity to have fun. Number 1: Eric Stonestreet who is best known as Cam from the ABC show, Modern Family. His turn as Elizabeth’s craigslist roommate is priceless. There are so many gems, I don’t want to ruin it for everyone. Let me just say that it’s a delightful cast.
As for the story? Well, there’s lots of holes. First off, how in the world did she end up a middle school teacher? Where’s her family? If she really needs money, why not get a second job? But, like I said, it’s not about that, it’s a comedy.
I am really happy to see another mainstream comedy with a female lead. It is disguised heavily, but it’s a step in the right direction. There are a few “gross-out” moments, but the jokes are mostly in the dialogue. (It also seems like the gratuitous boob shot is making a comeback.) It’s a fun comedy that will surprise you.
Rating: Raunchy and fun. 7/10
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