School for Scoundrels (2006 film)

School for Scoundrels is a 2006 American comedy film directed by Todd Phillips. It stars Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Heder, Jacinda Barrett, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Ben Stiller. The film is a remake of the 1960 British film of the same name, itself based on the novels School for Scoundrels and Gamesmanship by Stephen Potter.

The plot revolves around Roger, a meter reader plagued by insecurity and a lack of confidence, who enrolls in a secret self-improvement course taught by the unorthodox and manipulative Dr. P. Dr. P promises to transform his students into confident, successful individuals. However, Roger soon finds himself in competition with Dr. P for the affection of Amanda, a woman he meets. Their rivalry escalates into a series of increasingly outlandish and underhanded tactics, highlighting the absurdity of self-help culture and the lengths people will go to for love and success.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics generally praising the performances of Thornton and Heder but criticizing the predictable plot and reliance on broad comedy. It was a moderate box office success.