School for Scoundrels

To win the woman of his dreams, a shy meter reader enrolls in a secret confidence building program run by an overbearing instructor. The class promotes swagger and clever talk as a shortcut to romance. Roger Waddell hopes the course will transform him into the kind of man Amanda falls for. He soon discovers that his flamboyant mentor Dr. P is also pursuing the same woman, turning a simple test of nerve into a friendly yet fierce competition. Pranks, put downs, and escalating dare games replace ordinary dating moves as the two rivals try to prove who deserves Amanda more. Amid the chaos, Roger learns about self respect and what real appeal can mean. Humor becomes a lesson for everyone.

Directed by Todd Phillips, this 2006 comedy reimagines 1960 film School for Scoundrels. The story centers on Jon Heder as Roger Waddell, Billy Bob Thornton as Dr. P, with Jacinda Barrett, Sarah Silverman, and Michael Clarke Duncan amid a cast.

The film had a budget of 20 million and grossed about 17.8 million worldwide, making the box office modest relative to its cost. It released into theaters in 2006, at a time when Todd Phillips was known for bigger comedies.

Across awards, School for Scoundrels did not rack up major nominations. Some outlets noted the chemistry of its leads and the light bite of the script, but the film did not become a contender during season awards. The reception leaned toward casual entertainment rather than prestige. It aimed to entertain.

Reviewers describe a movie built on a tug of war between swagger and sincerity. The central rivalry between Roger and Dr. P sparks physical humor and awkward romance, while the cast threads warmth through a satire of confidence games. Overall, the film lands as breezy, imperfect fun for casual audiences.