It ROCKS!

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 2003)

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK is a surprise and a half. Dewey Finn (the hilarious Jack Black) is an out of work rocker who can't pay the rent and has just been thrown out of his own band. He pretends to be his friend Ned (Mike White) and becomes a substitute teacher at the prestigous Horace Green elementary school. At first, he ignores them. Then he realizes their music potential. So, he starts up a band featuring his students. Along the way, he dodges the watchful eye of Horace Green's principal Ms. Mullens (Joan Cusack) and teaches the kids self esteem. It all climaxes when the students play at the local Battle of the Bands contest and play a very catchy tune called 'SCHOOL OF ROCK'. This movie is adorable times two. The kids are very charming. Each and every one of them. And fine actors to boot. Without being cutsy pie. Jack Black is now a bonafide comedy star. His funny actions and motions are very enjoyable to watch. And the music! It's awesome. The song they play at the end is kick ass! The movie has very little if nothing wrong with it at all. It's hilarious, fun, and also tugs at the heartstrings a bit. The director Richard Linklater was an odd choice, because his movies are often obscure independent films. A family film isn't exactly what you'd expect from him. But he DOES know comedy. He manages not to make another gross or boring kid's film. It's not a family film, as much as it is a film that everyone can enjoy. Not one person I saw this movie with was bored and mostly all of them just plain loved it. As did I. This is the funniest comedy all year. And probably of the last 5 years. Go see it...NOW!
RATING: **** out of ****