The School of Rock Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)October 8th, 2003
"School" Rocks
by Homer Yen
(c) 2003
"School of Rock" is a film that every 10-year old and their parent should go to see. The young ones will come away with lessons in teamwork, creativity, and passion. Of course, they may also come away wanting to start their own garage band, but what budding adolescent didn't tinker with the idea of being in a band? Meanwhile, parents may be happily reintroduced to their once-wilder side when their growth was somewhat influenced by hard rockers like Led Zeppelin and The Who. Of course, years of parenthood have altered and subdued their way of thinking. But some adults likely miss the musical zeitgeist of yesteryear when rock and roll's lyrics and its thumping beat were statements about rebellion. As our hero Jack Black puts it, "it's about sticking it to the man."
This philosophy is what makes Jack Black's character, named Dewey Finn, tick. There's always a statement to be made; rock and roll has a power that transforms your thoughts; one great rock performance can be the catalyst for change. You have to give credit to the script, which somewhat feels like an editorial column that you might find in Rolling Stone magazine. The film takes an almost academic approach to rock music, and we feel as if we are not only enjoying a comedy, but we are learning as well. This component makes this film mature enough to attract adult viewers.
Indeed, Dewey could easily teach a class about music theory and rock appreciation. Unfortunately, his efforts to rock the world have resulted in nothing but failure. He has been kicked out of the band that he founded and his best friend is about to evict him because Dewey doesn't have a job and can't pay rent. Desperate, Dewey fakes his identity to land a job as a substitute teacher. It's the classic fish-out-of-water setup. He stands in at a stodgy prep school where parents dole out $15,000 a year to ensure that their kids receive the highest quality education. Dewey, however, encourages his class to take recess so that he can fight off his perpetual hangovers.
Dewey soon discovers, thought, that the kids are very musically talented. This may be a perfect opportunity. Dewey can fashion a rock band out of his students and enter them in the local Battle of the Bands contest. It may allow Dewey a chance to give one great rock performance. Even the kids may be transformed from stoic bookworms to freewheeling thinkers. His greatest obstacle, of course, is covering up all of his lies. He also needs to avoid the uptight principal (Joan Cusack) who finds Dewey's teaching method's suspect. A lot of funny moments are fashioned by the manic energy and the sheer desire of our substitute teacher. It's funny to watch him scheme as he assembles his band troupe, complete with band members, technicians, security, a fashion designer, and groupies.
"School of Rock" also benefits from having lots of music. Whether it's the kids practicing their riffs or Dewey breaking out into impromptu song, the music keeps the film lively. By the time it moves to its final scene, where Dewey and the gang are competing in the Battle of the Bands, you'll love their performance. You'll come away feeling good. And, you may even feel the transforming power of rock.
Grade: B
S: 0 out of 3
L: 1 out of 3
V: 0 out of 3
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