Interesting...

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2004)

*may contain spoilers*
Okay, I had never heard of Jack Black before renting this film, which may have been a blessing in disguise. On the back of this film though, I'm not sure I want to rent anything else with Mr Black in it, I have to say. But having said that, he is a good actor in everything he does in this movie.
Onto the film itself. What a refreshing change that the kids play their own instruments as opposed to dubbing something professional over the top of it later. The final concert was good as well, as was the song that went "so get off your ath/let's do some math". I thought the comment about MTV was quite apt really and very true to boot - I personally think MTV has contributed to the general decline of decent music in recent years but that's another topic.
The film follows the same pattern of copious other films, in which somebody gets into a situation which they're not qualified for, it takes weeks and a third party tip-off before anybody notices and is then usually followed by moping about and a comeback. Yep, School of Rock to a T.
Anybody who's ever seen movies such as The Sandlot Kids, Little Rascals and other similar types of movies will know that they put together a group of kids who have the ability to on screen be both annoying on their own and in their respective groups. School of Rock though greets you with a group of kids who are actually likable on screen, good chemistry and at least look as if they know what they're doing even though they were all chosen on the back of musical ability as opposed to acting ability.
Worth a rental I reckon, if Jack Black's style is your sort of thing and/or you like Led Zepplin, AC/DC, that sort of music.