Search - School for Scoundrels (Unrated Ballbuster Edition) [HD DVD] on HD DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 11/17/2019...

ALERT - You are ordering an HD-DVD item. This format can be played only in HD-DVD players (the discs will NOT play in regular DVD or Blu-Ray players). If you do NOT have an HD-DVD player, you should not order this item.

YOU CAN'T HELP YOURSELF BECAUSE YOURSELF SUCKS!

Kevin J. Loria | New Orleans, LA USA | 09/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
One-Upmanship is back!

If you tolerated ROADTRIP, if you found OLD SCHOOL moderately entertaining then you might consider "SCOUNDRELS." Director Todd Phillips, this time assembles Billy Bob Thornton (of BAD SANTA) and Jon Heder (of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE and BENCHWARMERS) for this remake of Robert Hamer's 1960 screen version of Stephen Potter's series of One-Upmanship or Lifemanship books outlining how to win without actually cheating (check them out, written a century ago but still classics).

Heder is Roger NYC meter maid so cowardly he pays the tickets he rights! He can't find it in himself to as out his lovely neighbor Amanda (Jacinda Barrett, of Poseidon). He is refered to enroll in a course converting losers to lions with the ladies, taught by Thornton's Dr. P with the burly assist of Michael Clarke Duncan as Lesher. Other mama's boy misfits enrolled are a "whipped" Horatio Sanz, Matt Walsh and Todd Louiso's obligatory virgin. After Roger proves himself too good a student, Dr. P wants to seduce Amanda to prove he is still in charge, then the One-upmanship begins this-time school is out and student is a master, sortof.

The theme is as classic and as familiar as the books themselves. So are the punchlines. Heder and Thornton (who even takes a shot at ex-Jolie) keep the goofs coming, Ben Stiller adds to the hilarity all too briefly. Overall, sort of mild considering the salsa from Phillips in the past.

"

It was okay

Cathedral of Crane | home | 03/04/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie had its funny moments, although Jon Heder was always better as Napoleon Dynamite than any of these other roles he plays. The concept behind having a "school" that is supposed to teach confidence but really conveys sinister ways in order to reach that confidence was good. I do not recommend the unrated version though. The only reason it is unrated is because Billy Bob says G## D##### about a million times. After a while the curse words get to the point where they are weakening the film and not strengthening it. Then again its just B grade comedy, despite having Ben Stiller in the mix. Okay to rent but definitely little substance to make it part of your collection."

"What Does It Take To Be King Of The Jungle? ~ Awakening The

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 02/17/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The '06 release of `School for Scoundrels' is a light, entertaining and well-constructed comedy that will delight the viewer more for its clever plot then outright laughs. Billy Bob Thorton and Jon Heder click on the screen as two rivals competing for the same woman (Amanda played by Jacinda Barrett). I haven't enjoyed a one-on-one alpha-male competition storyline as much as I did this one since the '99 film `Pushing Tin' which coincidentally also included Billy Bob as one of its co-stars.

How can you go wrong with the likes of Billy Bob and Jon? When you're in the mood for something light, but not stupid or insulting this is it.

My Rating: 3 ½ Stars"