'Mr. Woodcock' awfully limp

In life, at least for a fortunate few, a glorious realization occurs when people find their place in the world. A better understanding of where they stand may lead to noticing cycles and patterns. A working formula may emerge that will help achieve success, which can pay off in dividends no matter how often recycled. Adam Sandler, for example, has profited enormously from releasing the same movie for 12 years. Nickelback has profited as well from bi-annually releasing the same song slightly refashioned for the past six years. And since 2003, Billy Bob Thornton has found work reprising his role as a notoriously contemptible character at least four times. Sometimes Thornton scores well with audiences, as in the perversely charming "Bad Santa." Unfortunately, he can't save his most recent movie "Mr. Woodcock," a truly awful film that delivers few laughs. \nThe movie focuses on John Farley (Seann William Scott), a writer on tour promoting his successful self-help book about letting go of your past. When his tour manager (Amy Poehler) mentions that his hometown wants to honor his success, Farley returns home, surprising his mom (Susan Sarandon) with his visit. But as it turns out, she surprises him when she introduces John to her new boyfriend, his sadistic former gym teacher Mr. Woodcock (Thornton). Still haunted by his memories of the cruel treatment he received from the surly Woodcock, Farley struggles to deal with his mother's news.\nWith its weak plot and poor joke delivery, it's a good thing this movie is less than 90 minutes long. The acting is mediocre. The role of Woodcock is fitting for Thornton, and Poehler does a great job as John Farley's tour manager. Unfortunately, Scott seems destined forever to remain Steve Stifler with each facial expression he makes and each utterance of the word "awesome." \nMaybe fans of Thornton will enjoy this movie solely by seeing him play a character that fits him so well. If that's the case, just wait for the DVD.