The School Of Rock

School of Rock

The first film I ever saw Jack Black in was The Cable Guy with Jim Carrey. Now, most people I know hate this movie. I, on the other hand find it really dark and really funny. Although , only a bit part for Black, he does have a few great lines. Over the last few years, he has constantly starred in very funny films including Shallow Hal and Orange County, so I looked forward to the release of School of Rock.

Black stars as Dewey Finn, a down and out rocker who is recently booted out of his own band for performing 'gut-wrenching lead guitar' and stage diving straight to the floor. He has no money and no prospects until he takes a phone call meant for his flat mate Ned. Ned is a substitute teacher and Dewey decides he can get rich quick by taking the job by pretending to be Ned.

With Black's musical background with Tenacious d, this film is the perfect vehicle for him to show off his energenic comedic style and his musical talents. As the substitute teacher, Dewey has the perfect opportunity to try to form a rock band from the class of children. Black's facial expressions, sound effects and constant hyperactivity could annoy some people but it fits well with the classroom situation. The kids involved perform brilliantly and its funny seeing adult stereotypes applied to the youngsters i.e. a gay fancy designer, and the relationships that form give the audience a group of people to really root for.

The storyline is pretty simple and works in a similar vain to Rocky or the Karate kid with music. Long training sequence ending in the final battle with various altercations along the way. The kids parents, a hilarious police encounter and a eagle-eyed head mistress (Joan Cusack)are all included.

The finale has a great musical number which builds on the fantastic soundtrack throughout the whole film. The kids rise to the occasion and give a resoundingly positive outcome to a very funny film, and possibly deliver some stars of the future. Whilst, Black continues on his quest for the comedy throne, and creates another completely different comedy character.

Although, a little cheesy with a smidgen of sensitivity, the film stills to hold your gaze and you'll probably find yourself tapping along to the theme song. It hard to find a film that manages to stay funny through repeated viewings, this is one film that does.