Mr. Woodcock (DVD, 2008)

This concept amused me when it first came out because, when I was in junior high, we had a former marine who was the boy's "Coach." He had a reputation similar to that of Mr. Woodcock. The movie is darkly funny and Billy Bob Thornton is at his deadpan, no holds barred best here. Susan Sarandon is the perfect focus as the object of Mr. Woodcock' romantic feelings and as the mother of one of his abused former students. The bit with Mr. Woodcock visiting his father in a nursing home is a hilarious depiction of how none of us "fall very far from the genetic tree." The old guy is amazingly funny -- great lines....Amy Poehler's performance is a bit over the top and sadly superfluous to the story. She is a distraction and takes away from what could could have been a much better storyline in which the co-star comes to terms with his Mom issues and falls in love with his high school sweet heart during the home visit (the classic hollywood we miss so much).