School of Suck.

Rating: 3/10 (16 September 2015)

School of Rock (2003): Dir: Richard Linklater / Cast: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Miranda Cosgrove: Overrated comedy about music and education with Jack Black being fired from his band and replacing his roommate as a substitute teacher in order to earn some cash. Director Richard Linklater understands music and dealt with older students in his superior Dazed and Confused. Black is likable but his role is by the numbers. One big flaw is that he only teaches these kids about music. Understanding that music is what he knows works against the film when factoring other school subjects. Joan Cusack plays the harden principal who will eventually soften after Black gets her drunk over Stevie Nicks tunes. Mike White is standard issue as his roommate who regrets trusting Black but unable to reverse his decision. Sarah Silverman plays his complaining girlfriend who tries to be witty but comes off as annoying due to formula writing. Miranda Cosgrove plays the band manager and that is about it. Obviously the screenplay didn't have a manager. It is a celebration of music and the artists that contributed to make it rock. That would be great if it was a music academy but unfortunately for Black these kids live in reality. Behind the energy and music trivia is a film slowed down to writing presented many times before just like the same old love songs. Score: 3 ½ / 10