BAD EDUCATION

STREAMING, FOXTEL NOW 8PM, SUNDAY, FOX SHOWCASE

WHEN you think about casting someone to play one of the greatest con men in American school history, the producers of Bad Education played a blinder in assigning our own Hugh Jackman. Far from the obvious choice, he shares top billing and acclaim with The West Wing’s Allison Janney (pictured, with Jackman) in this brilliant feature already being hailed by US critics as one of Jackman’s career-best performances. Entertainment Weekly hailed the film as a “bright, sharp-edged satire” made even more electric by Jackman and Janney’s talents. And I agree – there isn’t a scene these two are in that doesn’t crackle with their comic energy and chemistry, which should ensure this is not the last time we see them together on screen. Everybody Loves Raymond’s Ray Romano plays a supporting role, as does Aussie newcomer Geraldine Viswanathan.