Mr. Woodcock
Mr. Woodcock, a film about a jerk of a high school gym teacher doesn't really sound like a definitively fun time or something you want to run out and rent. However, Mr. Woodcock delivers as an entertaining time and is a high quality film. On the other hand, it seems perhaps the film's director Craig Gillespie is an up-and-coming director who will be working on decent films in the future. I have heard his film Lars and the Real Girl is excellent.
The film was funnier than expected. Oddly enough, the cast had a very nice chemistry between Billy Bob Thornton (who played Mr. Woodcock), Seann William Scott and Susan Sarandon. Who would have thought? The cast was highly likeable and charming.
This is the first movie I have really seen Sean William Scott appear to come into his own as an actor. Yet "Stiffler" turns in a high quality performance as John Farley- a Tony Robbins-like self help guru. Farley is forced to confront his feelings about his highly uncool high school gym teacher who traumatized him back when he was in high school. We are so used to Sean William Scott running around trying to sleep with 20 women per film in the goofiest of manner. Yet, in this film he smoothly pulls off being an intelligent human being. He seems mature and rational and is actually a compelling character to watch. After viewing Mr. Woodcock, I find myself looking forward to seeing him progress as an actor. (OK, if this never happens and he goes back to 100% Stiffler-esque roles, you know where to find me to say "I told you so.")
Billy Bob Thornton is completely believable as the lead character Mr. Woodcock. I think the film's topic of a mean, slightly sadistic, high school gym teacher is easy to relate to for many people. I would wager that the less pleasant your time in gym class was as a teenager, and the less humane you found your gym teacher to be, the more you will find this movie to be funny.
This film didn't do so well with critics when it was released in 2007. However, I would argue although Mr. Woodcock isn't going to change your life and is admittedly not the most memorable film in the world, it is an entertaining time and a good way to pass 90 minutes or so. The film is now available on Blu-Ray, and for this sort of comedy, the film has decent cinematography so the Blu-Ray disc should look good on your HD tv or home theatre. I laughed on multiple occasions and found the film to be quite charming and even unpredictable. Besides, I just like saying the title "Mr. Woodcock."
Grading
Visuals: B
Story: B
Acting: B+
Originality/Innovation: B
Enjoyability: B+
Overall: B+
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