194 reviews
Well Done
This movie is much more than the famous early 21st century scandal and the actors chosen to portray their respective roles are undoubtedly best placed in every moment.
For me, this movie was not just about embezzlement of funds but more than that, the two minutes of agony that Dr. Frank Tassone(Hugh Jackman) had against the system and the world was the highlight. Although shown as a negative character, I could empathise with the actions taken by a public school teacher and how frustrating it is to be a part of a system where people instead of appreciating their mentors, forget and move on in their lives.
The movie is about the mindset that the people in public service develop over-time, which is what compels them to do things that even they consider heinous. A frsutrated person tries to reason out with himself that his actions are justified and this is what drills him deeper into an abyss of negligence from which it is unable to crawl out.
It all comes down to the role that we are expected to play in this world. We often forget the small, yet significant contribution of some people in our lives. That is why we should appreciate the people who help us in becoming who we are today, otherwise the other Dr. Frank-s won't have an option but to repeat the history again and again
For me, this movie was not just about embezzlement of funds but more than that, the two minutes of agony that Dr. Frank Tassone(Hugh Jackman) had against the system and the world was the highlight. Although shown as a negative character, I could empathise with the actions taken by a public school teacher and how frustrating it is to be a part of a system where people instead of appreciating their mentors, forget and move on in their lives.
The movie is about the mindset that the people in public service develop over-time, which is what compels them to do things that even they consider heinous. A frsutrated person tries to reason out with himself that his actions are justified and this is what drills him deeper into an abyss of negligence from which it is unable to crawl out.
It all comes down to the role that we are expected to play in this world. We often forget the small, yet significant contribution of some people in our lives. That is why we should appreciate the people who help us in becoming who we are today, otherwise the other Dr. Frank-s won't have an option but to repeat the history again and again
- Diablo1616
- May 10, 2020
- Permalink
Compelling viewing: very interesting and entertaining
A school board discovers that one of its administrative staff has defrauded the school out of about $250,000. They have the staff member pay back the money, resign and leave it at that. Without knowing this, a journalist on the school newspaper starts investigating the school's finances and discovers that the issue may be bigger than what they school realises.
Highly interesting and entertaining film based on a true story. Very well told story. The extent of the issue is not revealed at the outset, so you get to discover it as the investigators do. The writer and director play their cards close to their chests, bleeding in the information, making for quite compelling viewing.
Great work by Hugh Jackman in the lead role. The character required an actor of great charm, charisma and presence, making Jackman perfect for the role. Good support from Alison Janney, Geraldine Viswanathan and Ray Romano.
Great film.
Highly interesting and entertaining film based on a true story. Very well told story. The extent of the issue is not revealed at the outset, so you get to discover it as the investigators do. The writer and director play their cards close to their chests, bleeding in the information, making for quite compelling viewing.
Great work by Hugh Jackman in the lead role. The character required an actor of great charm, charisma and presence, making Jackman perfect for the role. Good support from Alison Janney, Geraldine Viswanathan and Ray Romano.
Great film.
Surprisingly outstanding
- film_watcher_
- May 21, 2020
- Permalink
public trust broken
- ferguson-6
- Apr 23, 2020
- Permalink
Not bad, not great, good enough
It didn't take itself too serious. The movie was obviously dumbed down to an almost comedic level & put together as compact as possible keeping viewers interest just long enough. Jackman does a great job & really kept the movie together. Lucky enough Jackman was the main character, great acting. I think the movie would have worked on a more serious note also, there was enough detail available based on true facts to be serious or in this case a more relaxed option. Worth the watch. Solid 6 /10
- allanwatts-02122
- May 15, 2020
- Permalink
solid
Great cast, great story, strong creative script. Interesting story of corruption of surprisingly large scale in underfunded education field. Nice work on showing many sides of main characters. Unlike most of movies that keep everything black and white. Allison Janney killed it again. one problem tho: they could focus more on ordinary teachers that lead poor lives. How that was a major spit in their faces.
Home Schooled.
Why is it categorised as a comedy?
Why is it categorised as a comedy? Dont find it funny at all.
Hugh Jackman is so underrated
Watch it for Jackman and Janney
This is a film no one wants to watch, just by looking at the premise. But I was keen when I saw Hugh Jackman was involved as the lead. And from the first scene of the movie, you can tell it is going to be a good movie based on his character. Alison Janney is a pleasure to watch in this film as well. The movie is carried on the shoulders of these two accomplished actors and they make the sleazy embezzlement affair enjoyable to watch.
- shweta-51657
- Apr 30, 2020
- Permalink
An instant favorite
I was uninterested in watching this movie, but thought I would give it a shot given that it's based on a true story. Allison Janney is amazing, Hugh Jackman delivers a great performance, Geraldine Viswanathan is stellar (as always), but the entire cast is great (truly). From the beginning the film tells the story in captivating and compelling ways. The momentum builds over the course of the hundred minutes. Edge of your seat storytelling. This could have been made into a miniseries. It's just that good. Do yourself a favor and see it.
- jimpowellsf
- Apr 25, 2020
- Permalink
Hugh Jackman aka Frank Tassone still gets his pension
An interesting story told in an interesting artsy way
The acting was first class.
You know why criminals get caught? Not because of the crime they committed, they get greedy.
- three8s2013
- Apr 25, 2020
- Permalink
It's ticks all the boxes except for the "Not boring " one.
I can just imagine the production meetings on this one. "We've got Alison and Hugh and this is an sure-fire Oscar nomination for him!" and "It's true story about rich people and greed. everyone hates the rich!". There's only one problem - this film is neither engaging or funny enough to hold attention. In short, it's got all the right elements but it's just a bit boring.
One of the few films that made me think that the real story would have made an excellent docuseries.
One of the few films that made me think that the real story would have made an excellent docuseries.
- smithnumber
- Mar 5, 2021
- Permalink
Poor man's "The Big Short"
Hugh Jackman was great. Allison Janney was great. Ray Romano was ok as usual. That said the movie was desperate for some sort of entertainment value. It was moderately boring from start to finish. I found myself hoping something was going to break open and because the film did not deviate from the truth it suffered a bit. The big short had it's comedic moments. The wolf of wall street had a very interesting main character to work with. This film however didn't really have the right source content to produce a truly entertaining piece of cinema. Was it a bad movie? No not by a long shot. It was fine. There was some good character development along the way and the cinematography was handled well. When the movie was over I was just left with the feeling that, as a native long islander in my mid 30s, the film didnt offer much that I didn't know about the story already. Decent flick, just not necessarily for everyone.
- joekuhlmann
- May 17, 2020
- Permalink
I guess there's only so much you can do with this story...
...but adding an overbearingly loud satirical score, doesn't make this a satirical dark comedy. For that matter, where was the comedy?
This film would've showed better and captivated the audience by making it a drama, with a proper score, faster pacing, with elevated personalities and dialogue, instead of drab and monotonic characters. Jackman and Janney were the only reason I didn't fall asleep, and their outstanding performances is the majority of my rating. Poor judgement on the screenplay's genre choice, but decent directing and cinematography. A generous 7/10 from me.
This film would've showed better and captivated the audience by making it a drama, with a proper score, faster pacing, with elevated personalities and dialogue, instead of drab and monotonic characters. Jackman and Janney were the only reason I didn't fall asleep, and their outstanding performances is the majority of my rating. Poor judgement on the screenplay's genre choice, but decent directing and cinematography. A generous 7/10 from me.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- May 2, 2020
- Permalink
"Do their names escape you?"
This film is based on a true story of Embezzlement at New York's Roslyn School, however, the drama is a little slow paced and predictable. It is interesting to see the concept of the scam and how the people got away with the crimes they committed for so long.
The film is convincing with Hugh Jackman leading from the front while he is strongly supported by Ray Romano and Allison Janney. We can see how easy it is for people to abuse our modern employment systems for their gain. Of course, this job relies heavily upon the assistance of a team working tirelessly together rather than just an Individual.
I have always found these types of stories and films extremely compelling. As I truly enjoy hearing the backstory of people, how, why and what inspired them to get to the point in their lives where they decided to do what they did.
I wouldn't say this was an original story, or that it blew me away. But it is fascinating and has a range of different personalities each with their own motives.
6/10.
The film is convincing with Hugh Jackman leading from the front while he is strongly supported by Ray Romano and Allison Janney. We can see how easy it is for people to abuse our modern employment systems for their gain. Of course, this job relies heavily upon the assistance of a team working tirelessly together rather than just an Individual.
I have always found these types of stories and films extremely compelling. As I truly enjoy hearing the backstory of people, how, why and what inspired them to get to the point in their lives where they decided to do what they did.
I wouldn't say this was an original story, or that it blew me away. But it is fascinating and has a range of different personalities each with their own motives.
6/10.
- Clintborari
- Jun 1, 2020
- Permalink
Amongst the best of the year 2019
Fabulous performance superb acting by all cast members wonderful direction and beautifully written.
- imdb-ikysmoviedatabase
- Sep 8, 2019
- Permalink
Good story and performance by Hugh
Interesting and fascinating story with a strong performance by Hugh. But the movie itself felt a bit bland and surface-y to me.
- tylermorris30
- Aug 30, 2020
- Permalink
AWESOME
Loved this film! Great script, direction and fantastic acting. Also a film with a message for today. A suburban school seeking to be #1 in its district is enamored and deceived by their charming Superintendent of Schools. Lots of twists and interesting characters. Well done and thoughtful film!
- Felicedoll
- Sep 9, 2019
- Permalink
A Solid Story Hampered by its Historical Roots
Were Bad Education to truly, truly break from its historical roots and become the best story it could be warped into while still remaining faithful enough to its roots to qualify for the "based on a true story" tag, it could have become something very special. Because it didn't and perhaps out of respect to the people the film portrays, it lands somewhere in the decent to good region of biopics.
Beyond the story, the acting of Jackman and Janey are both incredible, and are certainly worthy of Oscar nominations. They really propel what is a mediocre story into one that resembles something personal and enjoyable. Their performances very much deserve recognition and are some of the best of their respective careers.
That said, the script is well composed, and does well to accent the talent, but is unfortunately hindered by the otherwise uncompelling story. The story is so uncompelling that neither the main story or the side story manage to drag in the viewer and are left with a vapid and detached feeling by the end. 6/10.
Beyond the story, the acting of Jackman and Janey are both incredible, and are certainly worthy of Oscar nominations. They really propel what is a mediocre story into one that resembles something personal and enjoyable. Their performances very much deserve recognition and are some of the best of their respective careers.
That said, the script is well composed, and does well to accent the talent, but is unfortunately hindered by the otherwise uncompelling story. The story is so uncompelling that neither the main story or the side story manage to drag in the viewer and are left with a vapid and detached feeling by the end. 6/10.
Award Worthy Performances from Jackman and Janney
- evanston_dad
- Dec 1, 2020
- Permalink
Bad Education
Hugh Jackman stars as a school head who has gained great respect from teachers and parents for raising school standards to a new high. However, a student on the school paper discovers that money intended for a new school project isn't going where it should be.
A fascinating enough, apparently true story balancing a genuine devotion to helping the students and living the high life. What keeps the attention going is the superb acting from both Hugh Jackman and Alison Janney and particularly Jackman who manages to strike a sympathetic note for a man who loves his job but needs more out of his complex life.
A fascinating enough, apparently true story balancing a genuine devotion to helping the students and living the high life. What keeps the attention going is the superb acting from both Hugh Jackman and Alison Janney and particularly Jackman who manages to strike a sympathetic note for a man who loves his job but needs more out of his complex life.
Just a simple movie
- Xavier_Stone
- Dec 3, 2020
- Permalink
Bad Education.
When something is based or inspired from a true story,it can be a hit or miss depending how it's represented.
That being said.. Great cast,wasn't horrible but felt slow in spots.
Solid Film
- deansimpson-31878
- Apr 26, 2020
- Permalink