On Sunday April 26, 2020, HBO released a drama directed by Corey Finlay that starred Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, Ray Ramona and others. The film is based on the true story of the largest school-system embezzlement in U.S. history. It depicts Frank Tassone who went from a well respected superintendent to a disgraced felon. We also see the downfall of the other staff members who were involved, but the main story revolves around Frank Tassone.
Corey Finley has returned after his surprisingly strong debut feature, Thoroughbreds. I can report with gratitude that Finley has crafted yet again another very engaging film that exceeded expectations.
The film did not drag once for me. Finley seems to becoming more comfortable with his style. There are a few sequences that had no dialogue, just the presence of a great score and careful camera work. It is very well directed and edited cleverly. Given this touchy subject matter, Finley is still able to make it his own. Blending dark humor and underlying suspense. The film delves into the reliability of our school system and those who are there to defend and preserve it. It paints not a pretty picture, but an honest picture of our harsh reality.
Of course I can’t review this film without bringing up Hugh Jackman’s performance. Quite possibly his best to date. I say that because we really haven’t seen Jackman like this before. We are so used to him playing the same type of good guy character, and his role in this film is staggeringly different. He still has his charm, and likability. But there many times in this film where he is just something else, which makes him all the more disturbing. The supporting cast also chips in, namely Allison Janney, Ray Ramona, and Geraldine Viswanathan.
The script is riveting, which includes a great monologue from Hugh Jackman which is hard to forget.
As far as flaws go, I only have a few. Most of them aren’t worth mentioning since they ultimately don’t hinder my enjoyment of the film. Although some of the scenes in the third act do suffer just a little bit.
Overall, Bad Education is another impressive piece from Corey Finley, finely directed with beautiful cinematography, and anchored by an astounding central performance by Hugh Jackman. You would be a fool to miss this one.
Cedric Cinema 