Today's assignment, kick some ass!

Rating: 8/10 (5 July 2004)

And the kids in this movie did. A collection of unknown preteens with musical talents no child has a right to make this movie special.
Jack Black is Dewey Finn, a rock singer and guitarist who has just been kicked out of his own band for his pathetic "showmanship." His best friend and roommate is Ned Schneebly (Mike White), a substitute teacher working toward his teaching certificate (like yours truly). One day, Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack), principal of an elite prep school, calls looking for Ned for a long-term sub position. Dewey seizes the opportunity, pretends to be Ned and accepts the position. He proceeds to introduce his fifth graders to rock & roll, creating a complete rock band (including roadies, groupies, security, and a manager). Along the way he inspires them to follow their dreams, and teaches them the important life lesson of sticking it to the man.
But he also uses the kids to get himself into a city-wide Battle of the Bands. He tricks the neurotic, overprotective Principal Mullins into allowing a "class trip" to the concert. He has the children forsake normal fifth grade classwork to learn about rock music. Then the parents find out.
I especially want to point out the musicians Joey Gaydos (Zack, guitar), Robert Tsai (Lawrence, keyboard), Rebecca Brown (Katie, cello and bass), Kevin Clark (Freddy, drums), and most of all, vocalists Maryam Hassan, Caitlin Hale, and Aleisha Allen (Tamika, Marta, and Alicia respectively) whose vocal cords are gifts from G*d.
"School of Rock" was warm-hearted, funny movie that really rocked, thanks in part to Black's comedic and musical talent, White's screen- and song-writing, Joan Cusack's anal goofiness, and mostly, the children.
Rating note: There is absolutely no reason that the MPAA gave "School of Rock" a PG13 rating instead of a PG. There is some minor language, some crude humor, and one drug reference in which Dewey jokes another teacher is on crack.