Jack Black has never been so endearing as he is here

Rating: Null/10 (13 March 2004)

School of Rock (2003) Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman, Joey Gaydos, Miranda Cosgrove, Kevin Clark, Rebecca Julia Brown, Robert Tsai, D: Richard Linklater. Irresponsible, down-on-his-luck ne'er-do-well, who can't pay half of the rent for his roommate's apartment, gets kicked out of his band. For money, he takes over his buddy's job as a substitute teacher for a classroom of stuffy 10-year-olds at a prep school, principally run by tight-wound Cusack. He loosens the kids' spirits and educates their minds with the history of rock to get them ready for a Battle of the Bands competition. If the story isn't completely original, Black sure is; here, he's a frivolous, quick-witted, and likable guy and delivers the laughs. Cheerful and invigorating family comedy that's also sweet, and you will definitely find affection for rock! Running Time: 108 minutes and rated PG-13 for some rude humor and drug references. ***