Escola de Rock

Glancing at what other people have written about this movie, it seems that these individuals are taking this film a bit too seriously. Worrying about the "messages" this movie is delivering? Come on, there is no way that the con that Jack Black's character pulls off could ever get far in the real world! I don't think any sane person watching this movie would take this seriously. This is a comedy, for crying out loud, made to make us laugh!

I thought Black was fine in this movie. Sure, maybe his character is a little one-note with his proclamations of "rock on" and "stick it to the man", but Black somehow manages to do it over and over without being boring. He's unbelievably energetic AND versatile, delivering these same things in different ways each time that prevent the movie from getting into a rut. I think it's safe to say that only Black himself could have made this role work so well.

There is plenty of humor and great music. Even my senior citizen parents kept laughing, and told me after it was over that they enjoyed the rock soundtrack as well. It's a great movie for the whole family. Why was this rated PG-13? Sure, there are some references to stuff like alcohol and groupies, but they are not emphasized at all in their brief passing - and your kids will already have seen these kind of things treated much worse elsewhere! In fact, here in British Columbia, the ratings board gave it a "G" rating.

I avoided this film for years because I thought it would just be Jack Black being loud and overbearing. Luckily, he managed to exceed my expectations. He plays a genuinely lovable character in an equally heartwarming story. It's really much better than I expected.

Dewey Finn is a lazy freeloader and a guitarist in a rock band who plays gigs every night and sleeps every day, in his friend Ned Schneebly's apartment. One day as he shows up late for band practice he notices a new guitar player who is replacing him. Poor Dewey feels so bad about it and also about Ned and his girlfriend threatening to kick him out since he doesn't pay any of the bills. After a few days of trying to sell his guitars, which doesn't go very well, the head of a school calls and asks for Ned Schneebly, who is a talented substitute teacher with a good reputation. In a desperate attempt to getting money fast, Dewey impersonates Ned and conveniently finds himself the teacher of a third grade ( or something like that ) class for several weeks ahead. Yet another one of his crazy ideas strikes him and his plan to turn his class into a rockband to win the Battle of the Bands competition is set in motion.

School Of Rock is a great feel-good comedy, fun for just about anyone of any age, kids or adults. Jack Black does carry a lot of this film on his own but I won't be too harsh on the kids in the movie, they did very well also. If anyone else should play Dewey Finn rather than Jack, it just wouldn't be the same. Since Jack is actually in a rock band in real life, and has played a few characters in films before who are also into music, he just seemed to fit right into this film. His real passion for rock music helps a lot in this film, and makes Dewey Finn one hell of a good character. The plot to this film is really good I think and Mike White did a great job on the screenplay. As did Linklater on the direction of the film.

This comedy should not be ignored just because there are kids in it, I enjoyed it a hell of a lot and you probably will too.

9/10

Jack Black gives a very lively and even astoundingly hilarious performance. The movie was well-made for the time and it's not only about a fake teacher/wannabe rock star trying to get a job and make quick money and instead ends up teaching rock and roll to kids at a private school, but about young individuals learning to uncover their hidden talent, foster a sense of self-confidence, and express themselves in a fun artistic way! The extras in the film did well too and I can see why Miranda Cosgrove was chosen to play Megan in Drake and Josh since she acted brilliantly as a young girl in this movie as well.

Greetings again from the darkness. With so few good comedies these days, it was pure joy to laugh out loud a few times during this Jack Black showcase. Is he over the top? Absolutely. Is his humor and delivery similar to the great John Belushi? Yes, down to the arching eyebrows. And I say SO WHAT? Jack Black is hilarious in this movie and director Richard Linklater (the underappreciated gem "Dazed and Confused") uses his spot-on observations of Rock music and school days to deliver a wonderful film going experience. Writer Mike White ("The Good Girl") also plays Black's wimpy friend and former bandmate. Although his acting is fine, it is White's writing that will make him rich in Hollywood. The kids in the band are wonderfully cast and appear to be very talented musically as well. Special recognition to Joan Cusack, who just nails the role of the uptight private school principal who is just itching to be unleashed. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the Rock History tossed in for the sake of today's youngsters, but the tributes to Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Zeppelin and the Ramones are much appreciated. Look for Nikki Katt in a brief role, but mostly just sit back and enjoy a pure comedy that truly ROCKS!!