One of the year's best films!

Rating: 10/10 (5 October 2003)

"The School of Rock" shocked me. I thought I was in store for a banal, mainstream, stupid comedy with lame jokes and a trite story. I could never have been more wrong, because the moment I saw Richard Linklater's in the (neatly stylized) credits, I knew it was going to be something special. "Slacker" and "Dazed and Confused" are wonderful movies, so this should be good. And good it is. This is a movie with depth, character, wit, subtlety, and personality. Jack Black is astounding, and if this doesn't make him a big star, nothing will. The kids are awesome musicians and comedians. Joan Cusack is great as the principal of the school that Jack Black liberates. This is a strange, hilarious, and inspiring movie that is saucy enough for adults and fun enough for kids. It's told in a refreshingly plain, almost independent style, like Linklater's other works. See it! You'll love it! I guarantee it! 10/10!