School for Scoundrels Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Napoleon Dynamite goes to self-help class run by Bad Santa to get a girlfriend but Bad Santa is also thirsty.

🍿 School for Scoundrels: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Roger and His Insecurities

Roger, a well-meaning but profoundly insecure meter reader in New York City, struggles with everyday interactions. He’s desperate to improve his life and especially to gain the confidence to approach his attractive neighbor, Amanda. His low self-esteem impacts both his professional and personal life. Roger’s journey begins with a clear need for change.

Enrollment in Dr. P’s Confidence Class

Seeking to overcome his limitations, Roger enrolls in a secretive self-help class led by the enigmatic Dr. P. Dr. P promises to transform his students from meek individuals into assertive ‘lions.’ The class involves unconventional and often ethically questionable methods designed to instill confidence. Roger’s fellow classmates are an eclectic group, each with their own set of insecurities.

Roger’s Transformation and Pursuit of Amanda

As Roger progresses through the class, he begins to exhibit newfound confidence and assertiveness. He successfully asks Amanda out on a date, and a romantic relationship begins to blossom. However, his success attracts the unwanted attention of Dr. P, who sees Roger as a rival. The competition between Roger and Dr. P intensifies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roger (Jon Heder): An unlucky meter reader seeking confidence and love, he enrolls in Dr. P’s class, only to find himself in direct competition with his instructor.
• Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton): The suavely underhanded instructor who uses unorthodox methods to teach confidence, but becomes Roger’s rival for Amanda’s affection.
• Amanda (Jacinda Barrett): The Australian graduate student who is the object of affection for both Roger and Dr. P, becoming the central figure in their rivalry.
• Lesher (Michael Clarke Duncan): Dr. P’s imposing assistant who helps carry out his unorthodox and often dangerous methods.
• Becky (Sarah Silverman): Amanda’s smart-mouthed and sarcastic roommate, providing a cynical perspective on Roger’s pursuits.
• Ian (David Cross): Roger’s friend who recommends him to Dr. P’s class, inadvertently setting off the conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. P: “How many of you have self-help books? Okay, that’s your first problem. You can’t help yourself, because your *self* sucks!” – Dr. P’s opening line in class, establishing his unconventional methods.
• Dr. P: “Employ my techniques and you will unleash your inner lion.” – Dr. P’s promise to transform his students, suggesting they will become more assertive.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,807,569
• Worldwide Gross: $24,470,583

💥 School for Scoundrels Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love this movie, especially with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder. The concept was funny, but it didn’t fully deliver. Some parts were hilarious, but overall it felt predictable. I laughed when Michael Clarke Duncan was on screen, though! It’s a fun, light watch, but not one I’ll remember for long.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jon Heder’s comedic style”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedies with a ‘loser-turned-winner’ theme”
  • “People interested in movies that explore the dynamics of self-improvement and competition”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some scenes of bullying and humiliation”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “While the premise is promising, ‘School for Scoundrels’ struggles to find its comedic footing. Thornton’s performance is entertaining, but Heder’s portrayal feels repetitive. The film ultimately falls short of its potential, relying on predictable gags and a lackluster plot. The supporting cast offers fleeting moments of humor, but the overall experience is forgettable.
• A.O. Scott: “‘School for Scoundrels’ is a comedy of mean-spiritedness. John Heder is likable enough as a meter reader with low self-esteem. Billy Bob Thorton’s Dr. P is enjoyable to watch on the screen. This remake of an early 60’s film makes you laugh a few times, but not much more.

Audience Reactions

Billy Bob Thornton’s performance as Dr. P was a standout.: Many viewers enjoyed the dark humor and Thornton’s over-the-top character.

Jon Heder’s comedic timing and awkwardness were appreciated.: Most audiences found Heder’s character relatable and enjoyable.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews, with praise for the cast but criticism for the predictable plot and uneven humor. It’s considered a decent comedy for a casual watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ben Stiller’s cameo as Lonnie was filmed in California because he couldn’t make it to New York due to scheduling conflicts.”
• “The home video release includes an ‘Unrated Ballbuster Edition’ which is 8 minutes longer than the theatrical version, with an alternative ending available only on DVDs.”

🖥️ How to Watch School for Scoundrels?

School for Scoundrels is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Some services may also offer it as part of a subscription or for ad-supported viewing. Availability varies by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed School for Scoundrels, you might like these similar films:

• Anger Management (2003): Both films involve unconventional methods of personal improvement and feature a student-teacher dynamic where the teacher’s methods are extreme.
• Bad Santa (2003): Shares Billy Bob Thornton playing an anti-hero who is brash, loud and breaks societal norms. While tonally different, explores character transformation.
• Rushmore (1998): Features a student and an adult competing for the affection of the same woman, creating a quirky and comedic rivalry.

🛒 School for Scoundrels Related Products

• Napoleon Dynamite: The Complete Movie: Relive the awkward brilliance of Jon Heder’s iconic performance in ‘Napoleon Dynamite.’ A must-own for fans of quirky comedies.
• Bad Santa (Unrated) [Blu-ray]: See Billy Bob Thornton’s hilarious and irreverent performance as Bad Santa.
• Confidence Building Workbook: Improve your confidence and reach your goals with practical exercises and techniques.
• Michael Clarke Duncan Autographed Photo: A rare autographed photo of the late Michael Clarke Duncan, known for his imposing presence and memorable roles.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Set Me Free” – performed by The Kinks

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

School For Scoundrels Clip- Napoleon Meets Karl

Ever wondered what it’s like to get schooled by Billy Bob Thornton in the art of being a scoundrel? This clip from ‘School for Scoundrels’ is hilarious – Jon Heder’s awkwardness is perfectly contrasted by Thornton’s over-the-top confidence. You HAVE to see it!

Terry Thomas – School for Scoundrels

Want to see where the 2006 ‘School for Scoundrels’ got its inspiration? This clip from the original film starring Terry Thomas is pure comedic gold! The vintage charm is undeniable, and it’s fascinating to see how the humor has evolved (or not!) over the years. Check it out!

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