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Bad Teacher
Don Fowler

* *

(Bad movie)

Cameron Diaz stars in the title role as a gold digging, immoral, druggie, alcoholic, foul-mouthed, lazy, mean-tempered middle school teacher. But you know that deep down inside – way down – she must have some redeeming qualities because this very bad teacher wins in the end. Talk about no redeeming social values!

The film opens with Elizabeth's fiancé dumping her when it is clear that she is only after his money. She returns to the teaching job she hates. How she ever got it or was able to return is beyond understanding. Her "teaching" is limited to showing movies to her class while she sneaks drugs and booze from her desk drawer.

Justin Timberlake plays Scott, a substitute teacher whose family is wealthy. He's sort of a nerd, but Elizabeth isn't looking for love, she is looking for money. She makes a play for him, but he is more interested in Miss Squirrel (Lucy Punch), an obsessed teacher who sees Elizabeth for what she is and tries unsuccessfully to expose her.

The writers make this confused but insightful teacher out to be the heavy and tries to sway the audience to cheer for nasty Elizabeth. So much for redeeming social values.

Then there is the handsome gym teacher (Jason Segal), who strikes out with Elizabeth because he has no money.

You get the picture. Elizabeth will do anything, including stealing car wash money and getting answers to state exam tests, to get money for a breast implant, which she is convinced will help her land a rich guy.

Two guys in the men's room were praising the movie and Diaz. I hope they never encounter a "bad teacher.”

Rated R, with profanity, sex, drug use, nudity and a warped look at life.


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