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School of Rock - 10/3/03 - PG-13 - 108m - DVD
Jack Black - Dewey Finn
Joan Cusack - Rosalie Mullins
Mike White - Ned Schneebly
Director: Richard Linklater
Written by: Mike White
Studio: Paramount
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JEF
I decided to pass on this film while it was in the theatre. It just looked too “cutesy” and I assumed it would be a standard Hollywood film. From the trailer, it seemed like I knew the whole movie anyway. So, time passes and I start hearing people tell me how good it was, and asked if I had seen it yet. Finally, I went to blockbuster and rented it.
I’m glad I did.
Storyline: Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is the main character who pretty much carries this whole film. He’s a typical “Rock-n-Roll” high-energy bit of a loser dude. The movie opens with Dewey having a string of bad luck, no money for rent, his roommate Ned Schneebly (Mike White) is threatening him that he will kick him out – more like Ned’s girlfriend is telling Ned to do this.
Fast forward, Dewey gets a phone call about a job for Ned to be a substitute teacher, so Dewey impersonates Ned, and takes the job.
At first Dewey, has no interest in teaching the kids. But soon finds a goal to teach them about Rock-n-Roll.
Jack Black was perfect for this roll. The same guy, who played Ned – Mike White, wrote the film. Turns out, Mike lived near, or next to Jack, and wrote the film specifically for Jack. He must have known him well, because it was a good fit. Jack’s high-energy over-the-top antics were great, and yet not too unbearable.
The kids were terrific too. There were a few characters that really shined above the others… Lawrence (Robert Tsai) was the perfect “nerd” (which judging from the DVD extras was not too far of a stretch – And I mean nerd in a good way, since I am one too ;) Summer (Miranda Cosgrove) was great, she had that confidence that she could share the screen with Jack, and almost steal the show.
Joan Cusack also did a great job playing the bit uptight principle.
I know the film is not too original in it’s storyline. A sort of feel good kids movie with a positive message, but it was just plain entertaining that I enjoyed it. Considering this movie was meant to be a kid’s movie, I was a bit surprised to se the PG-13 rating. I don’t think anything was too bad per say, but the kids in the film are around 10 years old, so if you get this movie for your 10 year old, watch for some minor bad language, and some “drug references” but considering this is a movie about Rock-n-Roll, I think it was acceptable, and done in good taste. (If that makes any sense?)
This movie also kinda reminded me of “Shallow Hal”… Another Jack Black film, that when it first came out, I wasn’t interested in the least, but happened to catch one night on HBO, and really liked that one too. Lesson learned… I’m going to go see a Jack Black Film in the theater next time!
One more nod to the Director Richard Linklater, whose other films I’ve enjoyed. Always a little off the wall, like; Slacker, Dazed and Confused, The Newton Boys, Waking Life. I will have to keep an eye out for more of his upcoming work too.
Finally, be sure to rent the DVD, and check out the Extras. Some really good pieces there, that was just as entertaining as the film itself.
Jef
