Billy Bob Thornton has built himself a solid reputation as the master of malicious and sarcastic characters in a lot of his recent movies, and his role in "Mr. Woodcock" is no different. Even so, as much as he tries to be the type of hilarious jerk who pulls big laughs and shows no mercy, his efforts to prevent this film from slipping into disaster are fruitless.

The story centers on John Farley (Sean William Scott), who after writing a book about how to release painful memories and rebuild one's self-esteem, is now enjoying the extravagant lifestyle as a best-selling author. That's until he travels back home and finds out that his mother Beverly (Susan Sarandon) is dating his old high school gym teacher Jasper Woodcock (Thornton).

Uncompromising as he is, Mr. Woodcock is known for using unorthodox methods to teach his pupils discipline, and John is just one of many who had to go through hell during gym class. Thinking back about all the humiliation Woodcock has caused him, John sees no other option but to save his mom from misfortune and intervene in her relationship.

"Mr. Woodcock" tries to be funny and play serious at the same time, but it ends up doing neither. Instead, the humor of the film never reaches past enervating slapstick and dippy dialogue, which disrupts almost every of the filmmakers' multiple attempts to inject the story with emotions and properly develop the main characters. Unless you enjoy watching Scott flying off a treadmill or a bunch of high-school duds taking a laugh in browsing through every tasteless synonym for having sex, this comedy will make you check your watch more than once. 

The script, penned by Michael Carnes and Josh Gilbert, is repetitive and predictable, and the plot never picks up enough pace. The ongoing rivalry between John and Woodcock never opens enough space for subtle gags or variety, and it's easy for the spectators to predict the characters' every next move. All hope is lost when John seeks the help of his buddy Nedderman (Ethan Suplee) to spy on Woodcock. From there, it all goes further downhill. 

Billy Bob Thornton and Susan Sarandon struggle to suck the best out of the lame lines the abhorrent script supplies them with, and although they don't prevent the film from succumbing to boredom, they sure deliver better-than-average performances. 

Sean William Scott, who hasn't been around on the big screen since 2005's embarrassing "The Dukes of Hazzard" remake, offers nothing we haven't already seen him do way too often. He's still doing his famous Steve Stifler grimace, and his attitude, though just a little more mature, hasn't changed much either. That leaves Amy Poehler's unnecessary role as John's alcoholic manager, who probably has the worst lines but, surprisingly, hits the only hilarious joke in the entire film.

Craig Gillespie's directorial debut is yet another brainless Hollywood waste that attempts to lure you to theatres with big-name actors, and then slams you with useless comedy and frustration. "Mr. Woodcock," you're fired!

GRADE: C