Funny, but kinda empty

Rating: 6/10 (31 October 2003)

I saw this movie to screen it before letting my kids see it. I was hoping for a funny movie w/lots of good music, and for the most part the movie is that.
But there are areas where it's lacking. For instance, while the kids' new teacher praises their musical abilities while they're playing classical stuff (and later uses those talents), he comes across as not caring at all about their other subjects - so much so that the movie might imply those are worthless. They're not of course, and the movie could've left the impression those were important too, even if we don't focus on them while the kids are learning to rock.
Then too, both the rock classes and the epic concert at the end are based on both kids' and teacher's lying. And although the teacher eventually get caught and fesses up, for the kids their dishonesty is ultimately rewarded. It's not exactly what I'd want my young kids to learn.
Finally - the biggest issue for me is the emptiness of the purpose. The teacher insists that the kids rock 'to stick it to the man', and later even offer up prayers to the 'god of rock'. That's not enough reason for all the passion the kids work up, and it comes across as silly and empty when put on film. Ever heard of Larry Norman? Or Phil Keaggy? DC Talk? Five Iron Frenzy? Daniel Amos? The 77s? Go ahead and google them - these are folks who know how to rock, but have a much better reason for the passion and effort they put into their music.
I rate it a 6 out of 10.