Defiance of authority is always good for a few laughs...

Rating: 6/10 (10 October 2007)

A rock music-loving slacker impersonates a substitute teacher at a rigid prep school--initially just for the $650 a week but, upon learning that his 10-year-old students have musical talent, he ends up teaching the class the history of rock 'n roll and puts them to work in a smokin' hot band. Director Richard Linklater goes commercial (and cookie-cutter) in this friendly-enough family film, yet it's one which offers few surprises, beginning with a supporting cast of young actors who are over-trained in precociousness. The concluding events are right off an assembly-line (is there some movie rule which states an incredible scam can't be pulled off without some concocted interference?). In the lead, Jack Black brings outrÃ© enthusiasm and belligerent chutzpah to the mix...and the picture would be nothing without him. **1/2 from ****