No doubt inspired by the success of The Inbetweeners films, Bad Education makes the leap to the big screen, but thankfully unlike the dreadful Mrs Brown's Boys movie, this is actually written as a movie and not an unfulfilling over-extended TV episode, and it fills its ninety minutes effectively. Like the finale of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, there is a clear understanding of genre at play here, so when the final act tips over into siege/thriller territory, what could have been thin and lame is generally well-staged and very effectively edited and directed. There are a number of good laughs to be had, from typical pratfalls and physical comedy (Alfie's 'downed' high-wire ride and his extraordinary dare with a swan are both Inbetweeners-worthy), to some fun movie references (E.T, Braveheart and Pirates..., for example). Jack Whitehall has grown into an increasingly capable actor, here playing both comedy and pathos enjoyably, Joanna Scanlon makes a welcome addition as Joe's monstrous mother and Alfie's nemesis, and with a welcome reunion of the entire cast of students from the TV show, Charlie Wernham steals it with a gleefully wicked performance as the subversively naughty Mitchell. Indeed, there is a palpable sense that everyone involved is enjoying their last hurrah, and like with the character of Alfie Wickers himself, it is the balance of silly comedy and that very British sense of regretful sadness that transfers well here from small-screen to big-screen, making The Bad Education Movie good entertainment and a positive transition to movie form overall.
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