As big-screen teachers go, Cameron Diaz will not be joining Sidney Poitier or Sandy Dennis as inspiring role models to her classroom kids.
The title of Diaz's school comedy pretty much sums up her character: Bad Teacher.
Diaz's Elizabeth Halsey is a cussing, conniving lady who calls her students morons as she hurls their test papers at them and has only one educational goal: to marry a rich substitute teacher. He's played by Diaz's real-life ex, Justin Timberlake.
Bad Teacher arrives just in time for summer vacation, debuting in theatres June 24.
"This woman is so wrong but so right," Diaz, 38, said.
"She says and does everything you wish you could say, and does it just irreverently. She doesn't really care, and sometimes, I think people want to walk through life not really caring."
Timberlake is the wealthy heir Diaz's character pursues while he's busy slumming as a sub, and Jason Segel co-stars as a gym teacher whose advances she rebuffs.
According to Diaz, there was no awkwardness acting opposite ex-boyfriend Timberlake.
"We wanted the best person for the job, and Justin was that person," Diaz said. "He's such a great comedian. He has proven himself over and over again. We all knew what he would deliver on this and how great he would be.
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