Jack Black (“Shallow Hal”) spent many years playing bit roles in
movies. But after starring in “High Fidelity,” he has become one of
Hollywood’s top comedic actors, and his latest movie topped last
weekend’s box office grossing $20 million.
“The School of Rock” stars Black and a handful of musically talented
kids in this “inspirational teacher” film unlike any other.
Dewey Finn (Black) plays guitar in his rock band No Vacancy. He is
determined to lead this band to greatness by winning the local Battle of
the Bands contest. Without any notice, Finn’s bandmates kick him out of
No Vacancy due to his 20-minute solos and stage dives (where no one
catches him).
Now out of money, Dewey needs to pay his half of the rent or his
roommate Ned (Mike White, “The Good Girl”) will reluctantly kick him out
of the apartment because of his pushy girlfriend (Sarah Silverman,
“There’s Something About Mary”).
Dewey receives a call intended for Ned, and he impulsively accepts a
job as a substitute teacher at the prestigious Horace Green Elementary
School.
His fifth graders all come from an upper-class background and want
to learn from the substitute who does not know how to teach. After
hearing the class perform in their music class, Dewey decides do ditch the
lesson plan and teach the kids the one thing he knows – how to rock ‘n’
roll.
Dewey and the kids form the band, The School of Rock, to perform at
the Battle of the Bands.
This movie is as funny as it is charming and delightful to watch.
The majority of the movie’s success comes from the rockin’ fifth graders.
Director Richard Linklater cast kids who actually knew how to play
the electric guitar, bass, drums and keyboard as well as kids who could
actually sing, and their talent shines on screen. All the kids went through
a 10-week rock-and-roll boot camp with Sonic Youth’s Jim O’Rourke
before filming began.
Playing instruments makes up only one part of the band. The child
actors also portray backup singers, managers, stylists, special effects
specialists, security and groupies.
It’s a pure pleasure to see these kids perform on screen, especially
seeing the performance at the Battle of the Bands. Black wears the Horace
Green Elementary school uniform resembling AC/DC’s Angus Young. The
Battle of the Bands exhibits all the hard work the actors put into honoring
rock-and-roll.
The supporting cast simply rocks. Audiences will love to hate
Silverman, who has Ned wrapped around her finger, and Joan Cusack brings
a new element to the “evil principal” role as uptight Rosalie Mullins.
Black is perfect as Dewey Finn. He can draw from his own rock ‘n’
roll experiences in his own band, Tenacious D. Black shines in his best
performance to date especially with his lectures to the class about the
wonders of rock ‘n’ roll and the evils of “The Man” who are out to bring
true rock down.
“The School of Rock” is the first must see movie of the Fall. This
movie solidifies Black’s status as a leading comedy actor.
“School of Rock” – A+