Summary:
Down and out rock guitarist and vocalist Dewey
Finn (Black) takes a job as a 4th grade substitute teacher at an uptight private
school where his free livin' lifestyle, attitude, music and antics soon
influences the students to explore other sides of themselves the school doesn't
encourage. Finn's recruits a 9-year-old music prodigies, Zack, Kevin, and a cast
of others to become a part of his band which would be able to win
a "battle of bands", solving Finn's money problems and re-establishing him as a
respected rocker.Review:
Jack Black, one of Hollywood's hottest comedic commodities, returns to the
big screen in this comedy which follows the life of an over-zealous rock
guitarist. From beginning to end this movie keeps a degree of coolness which
doesn't fade as the storyline unfolds. This is the first kid movie that
parents will like more than their children. Jack Black perfectly portrays
the teacher we all wish we had when we were in grade school. Although the
movie is filled with many clichés (uptight prep school and free-livin
teacher, principal everyone is afraid of, etc), it's entertainment value,
solid storyline, and excellent direction turn this film into an instant
classic. After watching the movie you just wonder aloud "Why didn't I
think of that?". The script is simple yet absolutely perfect in every
way.
The true genius of this film is that it isn't dumbed down for the masses.
The movie keeps a degree of sophistication by having the kids remain
stubborn, uncertain, insecure and basically kidlike throughout the film.
Richard Linklater the genious behind Dazed and Confused does it again by
making a family movie which empowers young children, too cool and cute for
modern parents, and simply a joy to watch for everyone else.
The nice thing about keeping the film simple and to the point is that it
allows Jack Black and his supporting cast (mostly 4th graders) to take
center stage. Jack Black simply shines on the screen by convincingly
portraying a realistic person rather than a Hollywood oddity. The movie also
does a good job of incorporating different personalities/characters into the
band while maintaining their loyalty as a group to the band.
Although the movie was given a PG-13 rating, there is no way most parents
and their kids wouldn't be delighted after seeing this movie with each
other. This is probably the best family movie since Finding Nemo. No matter
your age, sex, or ethnicity, you will find The School of Rock to be a
well-paced comedic masterpiece with outstanding performances and lots of
laughs.
See this movie if you're a fan of:
Finding Nemo (2003)
Daddy Day Care (2003)
Shallow Hal (2001)
Richard Linklater (Director, Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise)
Jack Black (Actor, Shallow Hal, Ice Age, Saving Silverman)
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