Possibly better than Dazed & Confused

Rating: Null/10 (7 December 2004)

...that's a big "possibly", because D&C was awesome. I say it might edge it out if you're looking for something more well-rounded. Dazed was more of a realistic,personal coming-of age heart charmer. In a way, School of Rock is just like that, except it's even funnier than Dazed. (but of course Matthew Macconoughey and Ben Affleck are still hilarious every time!) Linklater is himself here, especially with the length of his pan-in and -out shots (I have editing deficit disorder, so I appreciate it). There's also his persistence at keeping everything completely realistic and keeping a great narrative throughout until a great climax.
All the characters are fleshed out, even the no-name band mates of Dewey's at the beginning of the film. He trusts that the audience wants something steady that takes its time, not something flashy, overly edited, and unreal. This is even more crucial if you're working with someone like Jack Black, who can never sit still and who never goes out of character. Though his character's been established as a "loser" by society, the director and the script let you know that this guy is able to really connect with a good band, for all his passion and intensity for rock and roll music.
Kudos should also be given to Mike White, who had a vision of Jack Black with a bunch of kids forming a band.
The kids are just the coolest. They're all each so different in their own ways, yet bright and work all together and never try to grab any attention from anybody else. They're very natural.
Of course, the fact that Zeppelin, Hendrix, and ac/dc comprise the soundtrack doesn't hurt things either. Overall, this was a really kick-@ss movie that showed Jack Black in a not-so-raunchy role. A hilarious script that could've been cheapened by one of those first-time directors, but turned here into almost a comedic masterpiece.
p.s. Don't drink milk while watching Jack Black; it'll come out of your nose.