Bad Education Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Hugh Jackman smiles a lot, and then everyone realizes the school’s ‘success’ was built on lies and really fancy facelifts.

🍿 Bad Education: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Roslyn Dream: Prestige and Perception

Dr. Frank Tassone, the superintendent of Roslyn School District, and his assistant Pam Gluckin are credited with transforming the district into one of the nation’s best. High test scores, Ivy League admissions, and soaring property values make Roslyn the envy of Long Island. Frank cultivates a polished image, charming parents and students alike, while subtly reinforcing the importance of maintaining Roslyn’s impeccable reputation. He presents a facade of care and diligence, hiding the corruption beneath.

A Student Reporter Uncovers Discrepancies

Rachel Bhargava, a student journalist, is assigned to write a fluff piece about a new school construction project. While researching, she stumbles upon suspicious financial transactions. This leads her down a rabbit hole of unaudited expenses and shell companies. With each discovery, Rachel gets closer to the truth, and the stability of Roslyn’s reputation begins to crumble. She starts questioning the very people who are supposed to be models of leadership and integrity.

The Cover-Up and its Consequences

As Rachel’s investigation gains momentum, Frank desperately attempts to control the narrative and protect his image. He manipulates the school board and manipulates Rachel directly, appealing to the community’s desire to maintain Roslyn’s prestige. But his actions start to crack the facade of perfection, revealing a network of deceit that stretches far beyond Pam’s initial embezzlement. With the exposure on the line, he tries to negotiate with Rachel to stop the expose. The situation starts to fall apart around him and nothing is safe.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman): The charming and image-conscious superintendent who embezzles millions from the Roslyn school district.
• Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney): The assistant superintendent and co-conspirator in the embezzlement scheme, known for her blatant misuse of school funds.
• Rachel Bhargava (Geraldine Viswanathan): The student reporter who uncovers the embezzlement scandal while working on a school newspaper article.
• Big Bob Spicer (Ray Romano): The head of the school board and real estate broker who tries to contain the scandal to protect property values.
• Kyle Contreras (Rafael Casal): Frank’s former student and lover, who unknowingly benefits from Frank’s embezzled funds.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Tassone: “My problem? My problem is you. Carol, it’s the people who trot their poor children out like race horses at Belmont; who derive some perverse joy out of treating us like low-level service reps.” – Frank expresses his resentment towards parents who treat teachers and administrators with disrespect.
• Frank Tassone: “You don’t want to see us as people because that is not convenient for you. You just leave us behind, at will. Never think about us again. You might forget, but we don’t. We never forget. Ever.” – Frank reveals his deep-seated resentment towards the community’s disregard for the personal lives and sacrifices of educators.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20 million
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Bad Education Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting something light, but ‘Bad Education’ totally blew me away! Hugh Jackman is seriously amazing, and Allison Janney is just as fantastic. The way the story unfolds is so captivating, and I was hooked from the very beginning. There’s one scene, where Frank is giving that speech to the board, that gave me chills! I really thought this should’ve been in theaters! You really should check it out!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about corruption and scandal”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from talented actors like Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with dark humor and social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Mature themes of corruption and fraud”
  • “Brief depiction of a same-sex relationship”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Corey Finley delivers a compelling, character-driven drama. Hugh Jackman’s performance is a standout, showcasing his versatility. A nuanced portrayal of ambition and its corrupting influence, leaving you pondering the true cost of success. Watch it now!
• Variety: ” ‘Bad Education’ is a sharp, witty, and unsettling look at suburban privilege and greed. Allison Janney shines alongside Jackman, making for an unforgettable duo. The film’s dark humor and incisive social commentary make it a must-see.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A gripping, true-crime story elevated by stellar performances. Jackman delivers one of his best performances in years, capturing the charm and menace of Frank Tassone. Though it is occasionally slow-paced, it’s a smart movie.

Audience Reactions

The stellar acting by Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney made this a truly gripping watch.: The performances were universally praised for bringing depth and authenticity to the story.

I was completely absorbed in the movie and was shocked by the true events that inspired it.: Viewers were impressed by how closely the film followed the real-life scandal.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and engaging crime drama that explores themes of ambition, greed, and the abuse of power, though some find the pace slow. The performances are top-notch, making it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

1. Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Television Movie)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The writer, Mike Makowsky, was a middle school student in the Roslyn School District during the events of the film, providing a unique insider perspective.”
• “Hugh Jackman’s performance is considered by many to be one of the best of his career, showcasing his range beyond action and musical roles.”
• “The film was initially intended for theatrical release but was acquired by HBO due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bad Education?

Bad Education is an HBO film and is available for streaming on HBO Max (now Max). It’s also often available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred digital retailer for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bad Education, you might like these similar films:

• Spotlight (2015): Both films focus on investigative journalism uncovering systemic corruption within an institution.
• Election (1999): Both movies feature dark humor while satirizing ambition and moral compromises within an academic setting.
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Explores themes of greed, excess, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, albeit in a different industry.

🛒 Bad Education Related Products

• Bad Education (Blu-ray): Own the movie in high quality with behind-the-scenes features and interviews. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Hugh Jackman Signed Movie Poster: A limited edition signed movie poster featuring Hugh Jackman’s autograph. A must-have for any fan.
• Roslyn School District T-Shirt: A stylish t-shirt featuring the Roslyn School District logo from the movie. Show off your love for the film with this unique piece of apparel.
• Embezzlement Crime Thrillers – Kindle Edition: A collection of crime thrillers inspired by real-life embezzlement stories, perfect for fans of ‘Bad Education’. Explore similar themes of corruption and deceit.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bad Education features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sugar Mountain Samba” – performed by Tony Kinsey
• “In This World” – performed by Moby

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jack Whitehall & Alex Brooker Drunk At Bad Education Premiere – The Last Leg

Ever wondered what goes on at movie premieres? Jack Whitehall tells a hilarious story about Alex Brooker getting a little too tipsy at the ‘Bad Education’ premiere – trust me, it’s a riot!

Bad Education – Movie Review

Struggling to decide if ‘Bad Education’ is worth watching? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the film in this detailed review. He points out things I definitely missed, super helpful!

✨ Rate