Bad Education

Scandals depicted in movies have a simple but fascinating purpose in cinema: raising attention to events that impacted many individuals in that industry. While they always have the classic tag "based on a true story", these features tend to alter historical details and add extra fictional ingredients to not only pad out the runtime but also make things more audience friendly. It's as evident with these flicks as they are in biographical dramas such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) but the main target remains the same: to encourage research to discover more about the topic being depicted in what couldn't be portrayed on the big screen. This brings us to a new entry in this area, Bad Education, which was directed by Cory Finley (Thoroughbreds (2017) and Mike Makowsky (Take Me, I Think We're Alone Now). With the films focus on the largest school district embezzlement scandal, it was shown in film festivals last year and HBO acquired the distribution rights to it. It was released onto HBO max alongside other streaming rental sites earlier this year. It should be noted that the writer was a student in the school where the scandal shown in the movie happened. I went in blind as usual knowing only about Hugh Jackman in the leading role and ended up enjoying the viewing experience from this fascinating crime depiction. 

What's it about? Taking place between 2002 and 2004, the story showcases the events that unfolded the secrets of the largest school embezzlement scandal at Roslyn Union Free School District. The main focus is the actions of the secretive superintendent who impresses his peers with his work ethic to improving the schools reputation for the value of the community. The details within this scandal are fascinating based on how well the writing in the main storyline is handled along with the solid directing of some tense moments. There's a solid theme of presenting oneself in a manner most appropriate and in control of things to those around you that ends up hiding flaws with ramifications built up. The slow burn kind of build up and pay off all feel worth the journey with the execution.    

 

Unfortunately, there are a few aspects in this drama holding it back in reaching consistent quality. The arc involving the school reporter investigating the scandal feels like it's lacking the tension and interest factor the main storyline has. It could have used a punch up in the script to make that student not feel like a blank plot character. There's also a romance affair subplot that's just existing to pad out the runtime and was confirmed to be false.

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. Hugh gives one of his best performances in his career that balances the charming helpful professional side with a conniving slimy shade working to remain in control for his own benefits. Allison is another highlight as the assistant superintendent who has great chemistry with Jackman and has very good moments, despite her limited screen time. Honorable mention goes to Ray Romano whose acting in his limited support role is always welcome to watch. 

 

Overall Consensus: Bad Education is a fascinating crime drama that thrives off a fairly accurate story depiction, great acting, solid script, and good directing, despite having fake mini-arcs to pad out the length. ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You like the aforementioned actors and/or director Cory Finley. You enjoy watching "true story" event portrayals that encourage you to research and learn more about it after a viewing experience. You don't mind small filler plot pieces that never happened in real life and only exist to drag out the movies length.

 

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike the aforementioned actors and/or director Cory Finley. You aren't interested in "true story" features.