School of Rock
Starring: JackBlack, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Playing at: Esquire and the Galleria
Grade: A-

“Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme/You better get me to school on time,” is just one of the catchy but clich‚d lyrics from the song “The School of Rock.” In the song’s eponymous film, Jack Black is able to pursue his two favorite passions simultaneously: movies and music. In the movie industry, he’s known as the supporting funny guy who somehow or another ends up in public in his tighty-whiteys (see “Orange County” for a more graphic depiction.) In the music world, Black is known as the more famous member of Tenacious D. Thus, it was not surprising that this film was written specifically for Black, in which he plays an imposter substitute teacher who educates his students on the history of rock and the art of putting on the performance of a lifetime. All in all, “School of Rock” is an entertaining and funny film that just might become this generation’s “Sister Act.”

In the film, Black plays anti-establishment guitarist Dewey Finn. When his band fires him right before the Battle of the Bands competition, he sets out to create his own group and beat his former friends. However, his plan goes astray when his roommate (White), urged by his annoying girlfriend (Silverman), insists that he must pay his late rent. Without any options, desperate and nearly depressed, Dewey accepts one of his roommate’s substitute teaching jobs at a prestigious elementary school. After spending his first week on the job napping and stealing food from his pupils, Dewey discovers something he likes. Although his students’ music is a far cry from his beloved rock ‘n’ roll, Dewey realizes that they have real musical talent when he hears them performing in orchestra class. At first acting on selfish motives, Dewey decides to train his class to enter the Battle of the Bands contest. Hilarity ensues while Dewey dodges the uptight principal (Cusack) as the contest date approaches. As the film progresses, Dewey realizes that he can teach his students, maybe not math or geography, but things that these spoiled children have never encountered in their lives: the history of rock and the confidence and respect that comes with performing.

A refreshing aspect to this film is the excellent cast of kids, all new to the film industry. Thankfully, the movie lacks the usual Lizzie McGuire or Dakota Fanning characters that populate the big screen these days. The preteen actors, who all play a part in the band, are very convincing as musicians. In fact, each of them has a different musical background and plays at least one instrument. Also entertaining is the chemistry between Black and his students. They play off each other well-perhaps their similar level of schooling plays a part in that. Also, the diversity of the class (not entirely accurate for a private elementary school, unfortunately) has a huge impact on the quality of the movie.

I’m sure you’re wondering about the kind of soundtrack that could come out of a film like this. From AC/DC to Zeppelin, rock’s greatest and most hallowed are included. Although there are no Tenacious D songs, Jack Black collaborates on a cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” He also commissioned the New York City band The Mooney Suzuki to write “The School of Rock,” the song that Dewey and the kids perform at the concert finale. On another musical note, Broadway’s Adam Pascal, who starred in the original production of “Rent” and is now in “Aida,” also stars.

Jack Black, who usually plays the comic relief sidekick in his movies, is heavily supported by a talented cast shedding usual stereotypes. Joan Cusack, who normally plays a free spirit in her brother John’s films, is the most straight-laced character here. Likewise, Sarah Silverman, known for her dirty mouth at the New York Friars Club, portrays an annoying, clingy girlfriend for a change.

Since everybody, at some point in their lifetime, has imagined what it would be like to be a rock star, they should see this movie, laugh, and live out the rock ‘n’ roll dream for an hour and a half.

Click here to read Jenny Perkins’ interview with Jack Black, the star of “School of Rock.”

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