Black's in his element as an old-school rock and roller who encounters rock-deficient youngsters and teaches them how to screw the man, rebel against oppression, and recite the history of classic rock - all in just a matter of days.
Pretending to be his more responsible roommate, ex-rocker-turned-substitute teacher Ned Schneebly (Mike White), Dewey Finn (Black) answers a call from Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack), the administrator of a private school who is in desperate need of a temporary replacement for an absent teacher. Dewey's ill-equipped to teach fifth graders math, reading, or other basics, but he's more than able to take them under his wing and usher them into the world of rock. Recruiting the most gifted of his students into a band, Dewey inspires them to find their inner rock stars while instilling in them confidence and self-esteem.
Yes, the movie has an important message, and yes, "School of Rock" could be considered a kids movie. But it's also an infectious, spirited good time of a film. Black's charismatic, hyperactive, adrenaline-infused performance makes the simple storyline come alive. And the kids... Normally I'm not a big fan of child actors. They're either too cute or too adult for my taste but the "School of Rock" kids are in a class (pardon the pun) of their own. Was Jack Black actually teaching them the ins and outs of rock? It sure comes off that way, and that's what sells this movie. There's no obvious ‘actors’ amongst the kids. They seem to be genuinely riding along on Black's educational romp through the land of music.
Black, screenwriter/actor Mike White and director Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused") have hit upon a winning formula. Letting Black's musical gifts help show off his considerable talents as a comedic actor gives the film a sense of manic warmth and personality. "School of Rock" isn't the funniest movie of the year ("Bubba Ho-Tep" and "Cabin Fever" are tied for that honor on my score card), but it is a film rock and rollers of all ages can get behind and enjoy. You can be a Jack Black fan or a family with pre-teens and still love this movie.
GRADE: B
"School of Rock" was directed by Richard Linklater (cast and crew list) and is rated PG-13 for some rude humor and drug references.
