School of Rock Reviewby Anonymous

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February 05, 2010: The movie, School of Rock, directed by Richard Linklater, is a heart-warming, fun-filled movie about a rock musician, Dewey Finn (Jack Black), who pretends to be his best friend, Ned Schneebley (Mike White), a substitute teacher. Dewey needs money to pay his rent, so he pretends to be Ned and accepts a job teaching at Horace Green Prep, a prestigious elementary school. Dewey is introduced as a sloppy, lazy, immature rocker; not the kind of person you would expect to teach children. At first, he does not take the job seriously and just wants to get paid. Dewey, now known as Mr. Schneebley, would be the villain in any other movie, but School of Rock twists the classic story and turns it into an entertaining story about letting go and being yourself.

After seeing his students in music class, Dewey recognizes their potential and introduces them to rock instruments. This moment was important because the audience sees Dewey's positive side. Dewey wants the children to have enjoyment in their lives because all they think about is schoolwork. Dewey asks a student, Zach (Joey Gaydoas,) if he has ever played the electric guitar. Zach replies, "No, my dad thinks it's a waste of time." This revels the pressure the students are under from their parents.

Dewey soon learns that this is the case with many of the students. They are only in 5th grade, and yet there is so much pressure on them to do well in school that they have no time for fun. Dewey's immaturity lets him connect with the students, and makes him a better teacher. The students are comfortable with Dewey and trust him, which is not usually the case with most teachers. Because Dewey has always wanted to play in Battle of the Bands, a band competition, he creates a class project called Rock Band, and tells the class that it is a requirement.

Dewey begins teaching the students rock history, theory, appreciation, and how to be a part of a rock band. Jack Black's comedic performance and hilarious physical humor makes these scenes hysterically funny. The kids' stand-out performances only add to the comedy.

Eventually, the parents and the students find out that Dewey is a fraud. The students are mad at "Mr. Schneebley" at first, but then they realize what a great teacher he actually is. They learn how to be themselves, and that grades are not everything. In the end, both the students and Dewey have learned about themselves and have grown up. Dewey teaches the students not to do work just for the grades, but for passion and enjoyment. From the students, Dewey learns that he is capable of accomplishing something other than playing rock music. School of Rock has comical brilliance and life lessons all tied up into one fabulous movie.

This review was written about the DVD Wide Screen edition.

Pretty funny rock movieby Anonymous

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August 23, 2007: A truly great vehicle for Jack Black. He pretty much carries the entire movie. Not to discount the fine performances of the kids and Joan Cusack as the principal, but if you're looking for a movie showcasing Black as a great comedian. you'll want to watch this movie.