Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mellow out, man!, November 15, 2003
"School Of Rock" is nothing less than the feel-good movie of the year. It's fitting that the movie is filled with blatant AC/DC worship, because it's very much like one of that band's albums: it's excessive and often lowbrow, but you can't help but enjoy it because it's so full of energy and enthusiasm. And most importantly of all, it doesn't take itself too seriously. Whether intentionally or not, director Richard Linklater and co. deal a major backhanded slap to all the sissified nu-metal and post-grunge "sensitive guy" bands currently dominating the airwaves, reminding us all that rock music is supposed to be fun and ultimately uplifting.First of all, if "School Of Rock" doesn't make Jack Black a star, nothing will. Black gives one of the most lovably over-the-top performances in history as Dewey Finn, an aspiring metal musician who poses as his friend Ned in order to get a substitute teaching job at a posh elementary school. From the opening scene at a rock club, where Dewey launches into a frenzied guitar solo, whips off his shirt, and attempts a stage dive into an apathetic crowd, Black is a whirlwind of manic energy. Much like Jim Carrey, Black doesn't just play the demented role: he means it, and the authenticity he brings to the movie makes all the diference. Quick, think of another guy who could pull off the role this well. This is Black's show, and he knows it. When Dewey takes a position teaching the uptight children of uptight parents, the stage is set for a classic fish-out-of-water comedy. Many of the movies' funniest moments come early on, when the overweight, disheveled Dewey and his privileged students can't quite figure out what to make of each other. The plot? Realizing that some of his students have musical talent, Dewey, under the guise of a school project, gets them to start up a rock outfit to compete at the local battle of the bands. Along with the way he teaches them plenty about the history of rock and its value for, among other things, "fighting the man." Naturally, the kids, their parents, and the school's principal (played by Joan Cusack, who would steal the movie if Black didn't), all learn valuable lessons about taking chances and enjoying life. This plot may sound rather hackneyed, but "School Of Rock" doesn't succeed by avoiding cliches; it succeeds my embracing them with all the vigor and passion of Dewey playing a guitar solo. The movie's overbearing earnestness, which I typically find to be more of a turnoff than a woman with bigger muscles than me, turns out to be its greatest asset. The reason? Because "School Of Rock" conveys the too-often-forgotten lesson that people need to lighten up, and rock music has long been a valuable device for doing just that. At its heart, the film's message is simple but enormously effective: that Rock 'n' Roll really just might be able to change the world. It all comes to a head in the film's monster conclusion, with Dewey donning an Angus Young-styled schoolboy uniform for the Battle of the Bands. Black absolutely owns the stage in this scene; there's no way the image of him performing won't be indelibly etched in the minds of all who see it. If you know your stuff, you can also see the nods to Yes and The Clash in the kids' attire. The song the band performs, fittingly titled "School Of Rock," is a lot like the movie itself: it's filled with rock cliches, but its youthful rebellion and energy more than make up for it. It certainly beats much of what's on the radio today, just as the movie beats much of what's in your local multiplex. Sometimes good intentions and inspired acting can carry a film, and "School of Rock" is one such example.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jack Black's first true classic, October 23, 2003
Despite some of the various plot holes and implausibilities, this is Jack Black's shining moment (as well as other child actors) and crowning achievement. I enjoyed this film partly because Jack Black and the makers of the film seem to have an obvious appreciation for classic rock/hard rock/metal that was missing from recent Hollywood failures like Rock Star. References abound to Yes, Rush, Led Zeppelin, even Iron Maiden abound in this movie. Jack Black is hilarious as a burned out early 30 something rocker turned substitute teacher, and his usual mannerisms and inflections are used to humorous effect.
The film is inspiring, funny, even a bit "cute" in a family film sort of way. However these more "cutesy" themes are transcended with the wit of the dialogue and some of the more adult situations in the film. It isn't EXACTLY a kid's movie, but could be seen with probably younger preteens, in my eyes it appeals to adults more. Ironically, I was the age of the kids in the movie when I first got into hard rock and heavy metal! I wish I had gone to somewhere like the School of Rock!
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24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Chant Along: "School Of Rock! School Of Rock!", October 9, 2003
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2003--Jack Black, the cherubic devil-(man)-child who's actually much more clever than he lets on, has always been a great comedic talent wasted in crappy supporting roles, like the ones he suffered through in "Saving Silverman," "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" and other movies bound for the DVD bargain bin. He even had his very own crap movie, and it was called "Shallow Hal." The only time he was really allowed to shine was in "High Fidelity"-oh, and on that awesome Tenacious D record. But that was then, and this is "The School Of Rock," a near-perfect crowd-pleaser that finally gives Black the chance to show his stuff in a solid leading role. Written specifically for him by the talented Mike White (who also wrote the better than good "Good Girl" and appears here as Black's spineless substitute teacher roommate), the film has a perfect understanding of its star's strengths, and plays them up fantastically. After being kicked out of his gunning-for-a-contract band, Black vows to form his very own successful band and basically ends up slumping around his friend's apartment...until the perfect money-making opportunity presents itself. He receives a call that's actually for his friend, and through a series of deceitful actions, winds up subbing at a snooty prep school for something like $650 a week. At first, he slouches through each day, letting the kids do whatever they want. But then...it hits him...these kids can play music...and well. It's then and there that he gets a sneaky little idea in his head and starts forming that promised rock band out of his fourth-grade students. From there, it only gets funnier, and while it is certainly Black's show, he gets plenty of able support, primarily from the well-cast kids. Even better, the movie industry's very own secret weapon, Joan Cusack, delivers another classic performance without overdoing it or rudely stepping on the star's toes. She plays the mousy school principal with a stick so far up her rear end that she is despised by all of her inferiors, yet she hates being the way she is and admits that it's all the responsibility she has that makes her that way. It's the comedienne's best work since "In & Out," and I really don't think a third Oscar nod for Supporting Actress is out of the question. However, like I said, this one is Black's show, and he delivers a great comedic performance of his own. His Dewy is sweet but never soft, slow but never stupid, and best of all, as mischievous and rock-lovin' as the son of Lucifer. It's about time the world was educated on the full talent of Jack Black, and be sure to learn for yourself. It's called "The School Of Rock." See it. Now.
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