Tennessee Movie Fans Give an F to 'Bad Teacher'

It should be no surprise that the Memphis summer heat has sent droves of people rushing into the cool shelter of movie theaters. Whether it's due to a good release or a broken air conditioner, plenty of residents jammed a bag of gummy bears in their pocket and headed for the Malco Paradiso. Unfortunately, this urge to escape the heat can sometimes lead Memphians to seek shelter with the worst of movies. Such was the case on the last week of June, 2011...

Saturday, June 25

Cameron Diaz fans were likely outnumbered by sweating Memphian refugees at the weekend showing of "Bad Teacher." This unapologetic comedy features Elizabeth- played by the aforementioned Cameron Diaz. She's a bad teacher- and that's an understatement. She's vulgar, crass, pays more attention to drugs and alcohol than her student. After being dumped by her fiancé and left with no future beyond her dead-end job, Elizabeth sets her sights on the charming new substitute, played by Justin Timberlake. How can this wacky, school-time comedy go wrong?

In many, many horrible ways- that's how. Bad Teacher continues the unfortunate trend of 'nothing is sacred' cinema. It makes every attempt to cross the line and inspire some shock value. Didn't anyone tell the producers that Family Guy and Robot Chicken have been there and done that? Justin and Cameron put up a decent effort in their roles, but the comedy just falls flat. Everything you expect to go wrong does and the whole premise just falls flat. With dozens walking out of the theater to face the heat head-on rather than experience another minute of this garbage, it seems hard to argue with its lack of quality.

Sunday, June 26

The very next day Tennessee movie fans were raising quite a stink over the "Bad Teacher" bomb. Scathing reviews were posted on local sites while others warned all their friends and relatives to not see the film. The fact of the matter was, Memphians preferred drowning in their own sweat to taking advantage of the industrial air conditioners in "Bad Teacher" theaters. Some vocal, disgruntled viewers had this to say...

"I couldn't believe I was still in that theater after an hour. I kept arguing with myself as to whether I'd rather face- this awful comedy or the heat wave. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I walked right out and dealt with the sun. I was especially disgusted by the crass, sexual humor. Am I supposed to find it funny that she uses her sexuality with such abandon? That drugs are her only comfort? Is this what passes for humor nowadays?" -- Jim Cornell, 31, Memphis

"Wow. What happened to quality control? Do they just let garbage "Bad Teacher" slide through without a test audience? I started booing at the screen and was joined by several people. That made my day." -- Gwen Rutgers, 35, Collierville

"I chuckled a couple of times, but groaned and rolled my eyes way more often. Like a lot of people, I just wanted to get out of the heat and maybe score a few laughs. I've got news for Cameron Diaz. I've seen all this before. Ever heard of Robot Chicken? No? Oh, it's what people will be watching whenever this abomination ends up on TV." -- Hannah Tandem, 28, Memphis

Heading to the movies? Get an instant mobile coupon to use at select theaters for free popcorn!