Mr. Woodcock

On the eve of his mother's wedding announcement, John Farley returns to his hometown to stop Beverly Farley from marrying Jasper Woodcock, the infamous high school gym teacher who made life miserable for generations of students. The reunion dredges up old rivalries, humiliating pranks, and long buried resentments as the hard nosed Woodcock clashes with Farley and anyone who stands in the way of his mother's happiness. Farley finds himself reluctantly drawn into the complicated web of small town loyalties, teachers turned into awkward in laws, and a growing attraction to Maggie, a witty friend who sees through both men's bravado. The situation spirals into a series of disastrous schemes, misfires, and an unexpected test of family ties and forgiveness.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, Mr. Woodcock is written by Josh Gilbert and Michael Carnes. Released in 2007, the film blends raunchy humor with romantic beats, anchored by a volatile mentor dynamic and a small town setting that feels lived in.

The film grossed about $33,700,000 worldwide against a $22,000,000 budget, marking a modest but solid return for a mid range comedy that appealed to a broad audience in theaters across the United States and abroad during its release window globally.

Cultural impact for Mr Woodcock is modest, but the film did spark conversations about bullying and forgiveness within a broad comedy framework. Thornton's blunt, abrasive take on the gym teacher stands out for many viewers, and the movie is occasionally cited in 2000s humor discussions for a niche audience, perhaps.

Reception was mixed, with critics divided over tone and pacing, yet many praised the cast chemistry and the willingness to mix crude humor with a softer emotional note. Themes include power dynamics in families, the legacies of discipline, and choosing forgiveness over revenge that linger with fans after the credits.