Easily digested entertainment

Rating: 7/10 (29 February 2004)

School of Rock is a feel-good attempt at combining Dangerous Minds with Sister Act, pumping with high-energy rock 'n' roll music that features shrieking vocals and raging rhythms. Yes, the classic kind that recalls the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. But this time around it's the kids who do it all, led by the goofy-looking Jack Black.
Jack Black (Shallow Hal), plays Dewey, a sloppy, down-on-his-luck die-hard classic rocker who gets dumped by his band mates. Desperate to pay for his rent, he lies his way into getting a job as a elementary school teacher pretending to be his housemate. It's hardly surprising that he is nothing like the discipline-loving teacher in To Sir with Love, instead, the quick-witted Dewey sees the awesome musical talents in his class of fifth-graders, turns them into a professional rock band for a big-time competition, and inspires them along the way.
Black, capitalising on his rockin' talents as a real-life member of the rock/comedy band "Tenacious D", is simply terrific as an unorthodox teacher who ignores all the rules but finally earns respect for his passion in rock music. He is the soul of the film, not just looking perfect for the role of a seemingly eccentric underdog but delivering snappy dialogue in his funny interactions with students. Joan Cusack is also fine in the role of the stuffy but good-hearted principal, Black¡¦s antithesis who adds some tension and conflict to the plot. And yet, kids may be too young to appreciate this family entertainment, at least not as much as adults nostalgic of vintage rock. I constantly heard kids crying out loud in one of the first previews, perhaps it¡¦s the bombing sounds that scared them. Overall, the film is a joy to watch with a talented cast plus smooth and engaging direction (Richard Linklater, Before Sunrise).