MOVIE REVIEW: Mr. Woodcock

MOVIE REVIEW: Mr. Woodcock (Not Recommended)

Billy Bob Thorton is one of my favorite actors, and I definitely respect a lot of his professional choices, all the way back to "Sling Blade," but there's no denying that his track record is far from flawless.  Honestly, the fact that he does not appear to take himself too seriously leads me to respect him more than others who would turn down a poor script on the basis that it would harm their reputation.  It's the same reason I like Sandra Bullock more than Julia Roberts.  Unfortunately, this movie was more "All About Steve" than "The Blind Side."

It was unfortunate that the plot was not worked on for a couple more years before the script was picked up, because the premise was absolutely fantastic!  A grouchy gym teacher's student writes a self-help book to become famous, and then he returns home to find out that his mother is engaged to his perceived foe.  Of course, there weren't too many options to end this movie except the obvious, but the story between its strong set-up and that obligatory ending was not as enjoyable as I was expecting it would be.

Aside from a few forced laughs, mostly through the lines of Amy Poehler's character, this movie relied on the strength of its lead, and when I want to see Billy Bob Thorton portray this kind of character, I'd rather watch "Bad Santa" again.  It isn't the worst movie ever made, but I don't think it was worth the investment of time or money by the viewer.

Kudos for the use of OK Go "Here We Go Again" during the credits.  It may have been the highlight.