Usually I Hate Movies Like This

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2003)

I hate feel-good movies. I hate pretentious rock-poseur movies. I should have hated this, but I loved it. Jack Black is the leader here, but the kids carry this movie. I am convinced that most of their reaction shots were filmed between takes while they were getting direction. Not even the most experienced adult actors can achieve such pure expression when on-camera. One of the drummer's screw-you looks about halfway through the movie is pure punk.
No one has mentioned yet Miranda Cosgrove who plays Summer, the band manager. Her casting was perfect. I believe she is the next decade's Uma Thurman and Lucy Liu.