Take Notes on The School of Rock

Rating: 9/10 (9 September 2003)

I saw this at a pre-screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. I wasn't expecting much more than to be entertained, but I was pleasantly surprised. This movie doesn't try to be more than it is, which is a sweet, and slightly wacky comedy, but it succeeds at being clever, entertaining, and nicely put together.
Jack Black plays an oh so struggling musician, Dewey Finn, who is kicked out of his band for grandstanding, and frankly enjoying performing a little too much. Mike White plays his ever suffering and much mooched upon room mate, who, with the badgering of his girlfriend , played by Sarah Silverman, gives Dewey the option of coming up with rent money, or getting the hell out. Desperate for cash, he accepts a job as a substitute teacher at an exclusive private school, that was intended for his roomate. Once there he realizes that the children he is "teaching" are musically gifted and tricks them into forming a band with him so that he can compete against his old group in a Battle of the Bands.
This movie is sweet, smart and totally watchable. The story doesn't lag, and the preformances are believable and touching. Jack Black delivers a fantastic character with more depth than he has been given before. The music in this flim is lots of fun, especially if you have an appriciation for some earlier rock music from the 70's and 80's.
Take a break from your real life and go enjoy some pure entertainment, you won't regret it.