The School of Rock review

aelst's review

This is a very cool and amusing movie about a rock musician who fakes a job as a substitute teacher, and instead of the normal curriculum, teaches the private school kids how to make a rock band, and also the philosophy behind it. The teacher is the comedian Jack Black (from Tenacious D), who exhibits plenty of funny facial expressions and movements. If you grew up with other children who were brought up playing classical, then the contrasts between the stereotypical rich private school kids and their rock music fanatic teacher are especially amusing to see. Being into rock music and concerts, for me, this light-hearted flick was well worth watching. 3 out of 5 stars.

ratbag's review

I had previously avoided seeing this movie because I thought Jack Black was a big, greasy, crude, slobby goofball. The only other movies I had seen him in prior to this was "High Fidelity" (one of my favourites) and I vaguely remember being grossed out by some trailers I'd seen where he was prancing about in his Y-fronts. Therefore, I had pretty low expectations of a movie whose lead was someone who was a crude, greasy goofball.

However, my curiosity was rewarded as "The School Of Rock" turned out to be a pretty good movie! Jack Black plays Dewey, a slobbish musician, who was kicked out of his own band. While his friends have all abandoned their childhood ambitions of becoming rock stars, Dewey continues to pursue his dreams, despite all odds -- even if he had to scam a group of trusting, talented, private school children into forming his next band!

All the characters in "The School Of Rock" are endearing, from the prim principle of the school, Rosalie (played by Joan Cusack), to the pushy class monitor. Well, maybe not Ned Schneebly's pushy girlfriend, Patty!

I thoroughly enjoyed "The School Of Rock" -- it makes a great family film, though the parents would probably appreciate the humour and music references more. It's also great fun for those who enjoy the music / rock / concert scene and appreciate the smell of stage smoke and sweat, and ringing ears.