My favorite movie

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2005)

I never got to see this movie in theaters, and it tears me up inside. This movie rocks my world. First, I love music. If you love music, I think you're really going to enjoy this movie.
First, Jack Black is hilarious. He just is. If you don't think he's funny enough by what he says (or how he marches), pay close attention to his facial expressions. They're priceless. He leads the kids perfectly with his own sense of childishness, complimenting the great cast as the perfect leader. His willingness to let go and just be funny is perfect.
Joan Cusack is strikingly sexy as she plays an up-tight principal. She has a great supporting role, but really didn't get to shine enough, which is noticeable in the Jack Black/Richard Linklater commentary's mention of all the deleted scenes featuring her.
Mike White is perfect for his role, and his girlfriend is played by the sexy Sarah Silverman.
Despite the great casting already mentioned (and No Vacancy's involvement), this movie really shines with the introductions of a literal class-load of children. Aged nine to thirteen at the time it was filmed, School of Rock introduces instant-stars, playing ten year old "miracle musicians".
Kevin Alexander Clark (Freddy Jones), Joey Gaydos Jr (Zack Mooneyham), and Rebecca Julia Brown (Katie) really stole my heart. Kevin and Joey rock; they inspire me by their acting and musical performance. Rebecca does the same, but her character is painfully under-developed - one of few flaws in SOR.
Finally, the movie is just great. It shows the inner workings of the band with humor and class, as well as the development of the characters (who ironically are already very aptly skilled in real life).
The final concert amazes me every time I see it. I just absolutely love this movie. It rocks, teaches to rock, and makes you laugh the whole time. Highly recommended, greatly loved, this movie will have a special place in my heart for all time.
Oh, yeah, and I got the soundtrack. It rocks too!