Not Approved

School for Scoundrels

Jon Heder plays Roger, a beleaguered New York City meter maid who is plagued by anxiety and low self-esteem. In order to overcome his feelings of inadequacy, Roger enrolls in a top-secret confidence-building class taught by the suavely underhanded Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton). Aided by his assistant, Lesher (Michael Clarke Duncan), Dr. P uses unorthodox, often dangerous methods, but he guarantees results: Employ his techniques and you will unleash your inner lion.

Surrounded by a band of misfit classmates – Walsh (Matt Walsh), who’s dying to move out of mother’s basement; Diego (Horatio Sanz), a punching bag for his hen-pecker of a wife; and Eli (Todd Louiso), a shy guy just looking for female companionship – Roger’s confidence grows and he makes his way to the head of the class, even finding the courage to ask out his longtime crush, Amanda (Jacinda Barrett). But Roger quickly discovers that star students have a way of catapulting Dr. P’s competitive side into high gear. Soon enough, the teacher sets out to infiltrate and destroy Roger’s personal and professional life. Nothing is off limits for Dr. P, not even the object of Roger’s affection. In order to show Amanda Dr. P’s true colors, Roger must rally his new friends and find a way to beat the master at his own game.
13
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
0
Positive Rating
12345
FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

While the premise for this comedy is interesting and could have some wonderful opportunities for funny scenes, Todd Phillips and Scot Armstrong take the low road by including a tremendous amount of obscene and profane language. In addition, too much of the “humor” was people getting hit in the groin. I do like the performance of Jon Heder. He plays “the loser” role well, but with some intelligence and honesty.

“School for Scoundrels” flunks, and gets expelled from joining the home DVD collection in my book.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

Man electro shocks his groin, man pushes man, man hit with tennis racquet, man hit with tennis balls, man gets slapped, men get shot with paint balls in head, body and groin, man breaks car window with bat, man gets head dunked in toilet, man gets hit in face.

2
Sex

Some sexual dialog throughout film and kissing

5
Language

S-12; G-1; MG-6; GD-10; JC-2; B-4; A-12; H-9; D-4; F-2; Slang term for breast-5; Slang term for male testicles-4

2
Violence

Man electro shocks his groin, man pushes man, man hit with tennis racquet, man hit with tennis balls, man gets slapped, men get shot with paint balls in head, body and groin, man breaks car window with bat, man gets head dunked in toilet, man gets hit in face.

3
Drugs

Man gets drunk and other drinking in other scenes.

1
Nudity

Man in underwear - 2, and men tied up in underwear.

0
Other

Lying is promoted throughout the entire film as a way for men to attract and get what they want from women and other relationships.

More Information