School of Rock presents: Jack Black in all his comedic and musical glory

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2007)

I've always been a sucker for musical films  biographical (Ray, Walk the Line) or straight-out musicals (Moulin Rouge!, Chicago). Alongside that, I'm also a long time fan of the "inspirational teacher" sub-genre, ever since I tumbled upon Dead Poet's Society way back when I was 13 years old. Understandable, when a movie that mixed both these genres came along, I was more than pleased.
School of Rock presents you Jack Black in all his comedic and musical glory. Black plays Dewey Finn, a grown-up who never really gave up on his dreams of making it big in the world of music. However, reality hits on his face when his band kicks him out and his friend's bossy girlfriend doesn't want him lurching around their apartment anymore. Now, Finn has to find a real job to support himself, and figure out a way to participate in a lucrative rock contest without his band. Shortly after, he begins posing as an Elementary School substitute teacher, where he spends his lessons teaching his very gifted pupils how to play rock and roll, appreciate the classic rock monsters, and basically "stick it to the man". While this is far from the study material the kids were supposed to be learning, Finn manages to sweep them off their feet (as well as their principle, portrayed by Joan Cusack), and uncover their hidden talent for singing, playing music and writing lyrics while at it. Alas, a lie can only get so far, and with the rock contest approaching, Finn's cover starts to wear off, as it is obvious he is using them to enter the competition.
I won't write down what happens next since I don't want to spoil the film. I will, however, strongly recommend watching School of Rock for its uplifting spirit; inspiring plot and soundtrack (one of the best, and most original, of the past decade); for its versatile director Richard Linklater (Before Sunrise, Fast Food Nation) and his remarkable achievement; for Jack Black's powerful and wonderful performance (there's a reason he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this one) and especially  for the young actors and actresses, who steal the show in every seen. Watch out for the adorable kid that plays Summer Hathaway, and for the exploding talent of Maryam Hassan, who portrays Tomika. Now there's a future singer if I've ever seen one!