School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black CAN Be A Leading Man

Jack Black falls into the category of comedic actors whose presence leaves an expectation of seeing the same things they've done before. And to date, he hasn't unfulfilled that duty that is expected of him from his followers. Adam Sandler did with PUNCH DRUNK LOVE. Bill Murray did with THE RAZOR'S EDGE (a much maligned and fantastic piece of work). Now, it's Black's turn to show he's got the staying power to make it as a leading man. And with this movie, he does that in spades.

The movie features Black as Dewey Finn, a low level rock and roll wannabe. He's got the chops to play decent guitar solos and more enthusiasm than a Democrat on a Kennedy campaign. But Dewey's attempts to offer a stage presence go unappreciated by his band mates who promptly fire him in the hopes that this year they can win the big battle of the bands.

At the same time, Dewey's ex-band mate and friend Ned (whom Dewey has been mooching off of for years) has been pushed into forcing Dewey to come up with rent for once or move out. His girlfriend is responsible for this action, all the while maneuvering Ned while telling him to stick up for himself at the same time.

When a call comes in for Ned, a substitute teacher, Dewey takes the call and then impersonates Ned at a high class prep school. These kids don't stand a chance. Each of the kids portrays the essence of a different character as most pieces like this work. There's the snooty bossy girl who is focused on nothing more than her own achievements. There's the sensitive kid who's a great musician but never gets the chance to cut lose. There's the shy withdrawn girl with vocal pipes to die for. There's the kid who's always been called a nerd afraid to step out. I think you get the picture.

Dewey sits back and does nothing with these kids, never teaching them and allowing them to pretty much do little more than recess. After overhearing musicians putting him down, Dewey brings his own issues with him to work, teaching them that they have to make sure that "the man" doesn't bring them down. Then one day, he happens to hear them in band practice. Immediately picking up on the fact that these kids have true talent, he decides to guide them in a different direction. Dewey decides to recruit these kids to be his new band.

The kids are a bit hesitant to follow his lead, at first but are at least curious. When he realizes that they have no clue about anything related to rock and roll, he begins educating them in everything from its roots in the blues up to its punk incarnation. He assigns them CDs of classic rock to listen to. They actually begin to gel not only as a band but as students as well. And Dewey, not even realizing it, begins to get something back from these kids.

The expected riotous insurgence of the parents who discover what's been going on, as well as the principal (Joan Cusak), the disgrace as Dewey is taken out and the chance that the kids will never make the battle of the bands goes to its inevitable conclusion. The kids rally and ignore parents and teachers, to gather Dewey and face the challenge they have been preparing for. And that moment is chill inspiring.

Do they win? Hey, I can't give the whole thing away!

Black does a great job, showing an enthusiasm not only for the role but for the subject matter of rock and roll as well. The rapport he strikes up with the kids is fantastic. He may not be Dr. Huxtable, but these kids react to the attention he delivers to each.

Let's hope that Jack Black branches out a bit and doesn't always play the same outrageous over the top character. If he doesn't his career will last about as long as Pee Wee Herman's. But with the right next step, Black could break out to become the next major comedic talent we have. And that's a good thing.
March 15, 2008

Rousing, feel-good film

Jack Black usually plays unlikeable characters, and he starts out here true to form. Fortunately, for us, he has a revelation and the result is no end of fun and good cheer. This low-life slacker comes to terms with his own ability to shape young minds burdened with the typical teen-angst, such as bullies, insecurity, non-understanding parents, self-esteem and the like (which he seems to naturally understand). Mr. Black is absolutely absurd in his approach, and it's the kids who inspire him to be a better person. The success of this film is largely due to wonderful direction from maverick director, Richard Linklater; "The School of Rock" takes off and flies high. The very able support of Joan Cusack is not to be forgotten. What I found most intriguing about the film is that each kid has a story to tell, and you find yourself cheering for the kids. The story doesn't say a lot about what happens to Black's character, but you know these once up-tight kids are going to be fine. Jack Black is the lead, but the kids are the real stars. This is a great feel-good movie. I'm glad I rented it. The DVD extras are fine. March 8, 2008

Hmmmmm....not such a bad idea at all

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets kicked out of his band for being a grandstander. If he doesn't find a job, his roommates are going to kick him out of the apartment.

He intercepts his roommate Ned's call to substitute at a private elementary school and shows up instead. He's bored with the gig and doesn't do anything til he discovers that some of his class have exceptional musical talents.

Next thing you know, he's got himself a new band and they're practicing for the band competition. What's great about this film is that Dewey realizes he can't just have the non-musical classmates off on the bench. He's got to find jobs for everyone--and in so doing, uncovers hidden talents and unites the divided class in purpose. The film may be a comedy, but there are some serious lessons to be learned for educators everywhere. January 22, 2008

School of Rock

This item is a Christmas gift. School of Rock came very promptly and neatly packaged. I have not opened the package so I am unable to report anything else. December 12, 2007

Great for kids & parents!

This movie is on a very short list of movies that the kids like/love and the parents also enjoy. Be prepared for language at the beginning but a great story with awesome music. September 4, 2007

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