hi, haven't been on here for a few years, thought I'd start reviewing again! Just having a bit of f...
hi, haven't been on here for a few years, thought I'd start reviewing again! Just having a bit of fun, I don't take too myself too seriously!
Member since:28.02.2004
Reviews:23
Members who trust:6
The irreplaceable self-appointed funnyman of Rock and Roll, Jack Black (Shallow Hall, High Fidelity) entertains and ultimately wows in this fun family film. It is not something you would come to expect from the normally outrageously rude star of Tenacious D but Jack manages to pull it off with his irresistible charms.
Black plays Dewey Finn, young at heart 30 something determined to make in big in Rock and Roll. For all his enthusiasm and raw talent, he comes to a low point in his life when his band members sack him. The out of work rocker faces another setback when his housemate and childhood friend; Ned’s bossy, self-important girlfriend gives Ned an ultimatum. Either Dewey pays his way or Ned must chose between the two.
Desperate for money so as not to lose his home next, Dewey somehow manages to be mistaken for a substitute teacher for a top school. Here he meets the young people, who will ultimately change his life, although he does not know it yet. Dewey soon realises that it is time to teach these suppressed,
yet amazingly talented kids to “stick it to the man.” And what better way to do that than through the use of some good old Rock and Roll?
Long gone are the boring maths, English and History lessons, replaced with “Rock theory” “Rock appreciation” and most importantly “Music practice.” All taught in the strictest of confidence, obviously, cunningly hiding this from the real teachers and parents. Dewey sees the future of rock and roll, and it hangs in the balance of this bunch of talented and diverse children. Cue a conveniently scheduled upcoming “Battle of the Band” competition. But will Dewey be around as the supply teacher long enough to fulfil all of their dreams?
Although this film uses a tried and tested format of triumph over impossibly high obstacles and a ridiculously predictable plot, it manages to not be cheesy and sentimental in the least. The characters are easy to warm to, especially the talented young guitarist; Zack, whose skills outshine many modern day rock band members.
The cast also includes the talented actress Joan Cusack (high fidelity, In and Out) who shows how adaptable she is as an actress when she plays the extremely uptight, stressed Miss. This is a far cry from her usual roles and she makes the part of the bumbling, neurotic headmistress her own.
Jack Black ultimately steals the show with his non-stop enthusiasm, life and onscreen presence. The effortlessly funny actor cannot fail to put a smile on your face through out the film. Although it would have been nice to hear more of his amazing singing voice as we did in such films as high fidelity. Black grounds the film, not for one second letting it out of his grip and saves it from what could have easily been a cheesy, sentimental comedy. I don’t think any other actor could have played this part, this was definitely a role made for Jack Black.
This is a great film for Rock and Roll lovers young and old, speaking as a Rock and Roll fan. I can safely say that many of the greats were mentioned throughout the film, the beatles, the clash, black sabbath, led zeppelin, the Jimi Hendrix and even the new great rockers such as the strokes. Great Rock music appreciaters will be thrilled that so much effort was put into the research aspect of this film. Even if you are not particularly interested in rock and roll, or music, this is still an excellent film to go and see. It has great laugh out loud moments, but I think what is brilliant is the subtle humour that runs constantly all through the film, never letting the pace slow down or dwindle.
I think young and old will love this film alike as there is something for everyone, I personally went to see it with older friends and we all loved it for the fact that the hilarious Jack Black was in it. But also children will love the fact that it is about children, who are a little bit rebellious and who are fun. It also has the moral backdrop and the few heart-warming moments.
All in all I think this is a fun, lively, uplifting film that will make you smile and leave you wanting to pick up that guitar you left in your attic collecting dust and ring your friends for a jam session!!!
Certificate: PG Running Time: 108 minutes
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
I love the DVD - especially with the special features. Great Review
bobbetta 13.03.2004 13:12
this review makes me want to see this film as i was unsure at first because of the whole ''rock'' thing-but this review definately changes any preconseptions previously held about this film. I'll have to go see the film now to see how accurate this review is
magicloudz 02.03.2004 21:55
I don't much like Jack Black, I might avoid this one:) -Jon
Turbo-charged comic Jack Black shakesSchool of Rockto its foundations, wailing with ... more
born-again metalhead passion as Dewey Finn, a guitarist who gets kicked out of a band because he grandstands too much--or, to put it another way, enjoys himself. Throug...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Turbo-charged comic Jack Black shakesSchool of Rockto its foundations, wailing with ... more
born-again metalhead passion as Dewey Finn, a guitarist who gets kicked out of a band because he grandstands too much--or, to put it another way, enjoys himself. Throug...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
![School Of Rock [DVD] [2004]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78520567.jpg "School Of Rock [DVD] [2004]")
Mar 1st, 2004
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