School For Scoundrels – Unrated Ballbuster Edition (2006/HD-DVD)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: D Film: D
Some
films just should not be remade and this not only applies to classics, but to
films that are products of their time.
One such film is the 1960 British classic School For Scoundrels, about two men fighting for the love of
another woman in a comic way in what we would call a comedy of manners. You have certain standards at the school in
the film and the humor comes from subverting those manners and supposed proper
behavior. Todd Philips is the director
of the forgettable Old School as
well as the embarrassing Starsky &
Hutch film, is the one helming this remarkably bad remake with Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder,
trying to add another hit after Napoleon
Dynamite.
Instead
of manners, Thornton’s character somehow teaches a self-esteem class, but is
such a jerk, how did that ever happen?
If that does not kill suspension of disbelief, then they are childishly
competing against each other, but this is so far from funny that it is actually
embarrassing. When Roger’s mother
becomes involved, the film hits the point of no return and any incest jokes
unfunny to begin with show just how lame and desperate Scot Armstrong’s script
is. Some things are better left
unremade, but they obviously were clueless as to why the original was a hit to
begin with. Jacinda Barrett, Sarah
Silverman, Horatio Sanz, Michael Clark Duncan and Ben Stiller are also wasted
here, as are all who watch it.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image is not bad, better than a standard DVD,
yet is missing the kind of clarity even a Super 35mm shoot would have, unless
this is an HD shoot. That is how odd
this transfer is. The Dolby Digital Plus
5.1 mixed is somewhat dialogue-based for all the smarmy words. It too is bared above regular Dolby you’d get
on a regular DVD, even if the Plus part only means so much. Extras (they actually included some) offer
the trailer, a gag reel (not funny either), Phillips/Armstrong commentary where
they tell us how funny they are, making of “you didn’t see it on TV” piece and
alternate ending proving they how the original was such a trash item to
them. A loser all around!
For more
on the original version, try this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/5138/School+For+Scoundrels+or+How+To
- Nicholas Sheffo
