My expectations were too high...

Rating: 2/10 (8 April 2004)

Ouch. I'm hurting after this one. Richard Linklater (who directed one of my all-time favorite films "Dazed And Confused"), Mike White (who penned the very good "The Good Girl"), and Jack Black (who writes some nifty songs for Tenacious D in addition to having a wonderfully comedic presence on screen) all added together "SHOULD" have equaled at least a half-way decent film or maybe even a home run. Instead, it's a mess. Linklater and White are capable of writing/directing films in which subtle characterization can deepen a film's story, but, instead, the story is bulldozed over by Jack Black's high-voltage acting.
And yet, Jack Black is the best thing about this film. If a gag or joke doesn't work, he just keeps speeding forward throwing out more and more gags and jokes. At the speed he's going, you have to admire his ability to have so much energy and never burn out. (I think if this had been a one-man stage show, it would have been terrific.) As it stands now, all logic and character development is thrown out of the window and what we're left with is clichés and a very predictable plot.
Mr. Linklater, you once gave us a very believable high school filled with `real' students, teachers, and parents. It's shame you couldn't do the same with `The School of Rock.' (Then again, maybe your hands were tied. Maybe you were forced to make the movie the way it was due to the influence of the `suits' at the studio because I KNOW you're capable of much, much better work.)
Score: 1.75 out of 5