A pleasing mainstream comedy that uses new people and attitudes to entertain in old-fashioned ways.
School of Rock (2003)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:183
Fresh:167
Rotten:16
Average Rating:7.7/10
Consensus: Black's exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for some rude humor and drug references
Runtime: 1 hr 49 mins
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:06-02-2004
Synopsis: SCHOOL OF ROCK is a hilarious romp that parents will enjoy as much as their children. Jack Black stars as Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who doesn't seem to be rocking much of anything these days.... SCHOOL OF ROCK is a hilarious romp that parents will enjoy as much as their children. Jack Black stars as Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who doesn't seem to be rocking much of anything these days. Kicked out of the band that he started and about to be kicked out of his apartment, Dewey pretends that he's his roommate Ned Schneebly (Mike White) in order to take a job as a substitute teacher. Arriving at an ultra conservative--and ultra expensive--prep school, Dewey manages to fool the uptight principal (Joan Cusack). Soon, he finds himself in a classroom with a bunch of fifth graders. Obviously, Dewey has no intentions of teaching these kids anything, but when he discovers that a handful of them are talented musicians, a light bulb goes off. Determined to enter the local battle of the bands and win $25,000, Dewey embarks on his greatest mission of all: Teaching these kids how to rock! Director Richard Linklater (DAZED AND CONFUSED, WAKING LIFE) delivers his most universally appealing film with SCHOOL OF ROCK. Written specifically for Black by screenwriter/actor White, this outrageously entertaining crowd-pleaser elevates Black to superstar status. [More]
Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman
Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Miranda Cosgrove, Joey Gaydes
Director: Richard Linklater
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenwriter: Mike White
Producer: Scott Rudin
Composer: Craig Wedren
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Reviews for School of Rock
A very funny for-kids-of-all-ages delight that should catapult Mr. Black straight to the top of the A-list of Hollywood funnymen.
It's been ages since I've seen a movie as joyous, as sweet and as hilarious.
At last, here is a movie that isn't afraid to care about something out loud.
Achieves its ecstatic, giddy high because it is peopled by immensely likable, endearing characters, all led by the tireless Black, who could make even the staunchest country music fan believe that rock 'n' roll can, in fact, change the world.
The movie that gives born-to-boogie Black the role he was born to play.
After nearly four dozen films and acclaim for his real-life band Tenacious D, one-man dynamo Jack Black finally hits the jack-pot with, of all things, a family-friendly comedy.
Part of the blame should go to White's scattershot script, part to Linklater for not tightening things up, and the rest should be stuck on Black, who seems not to be ready for starring gigs.
If there was ever someone born to portray the true spirit of rock and roll, it is Jack Black. In this movie, that is what they needed, and that is just what he does.
An engagingly screwball comic vehicle in which the actor and Tenacious D frontman goes through an inventory of heavy-metal moves and makes a mockery of them at the same time.
'School of Rock' is the best kind of crowd-pleaser, a high-concept comedy that doesn't play to the lowest common denominator.
It gives Jack Black a role perfectly attuned to his comedic and musical gifts.
Easily the funniest film of the year and one of those 'movies for all ages' (seriously).
With its knowing humor and Jack Black unbound, School of Rock cranks its fun up to 11.
Jack Black has played the in-your-face slacker many times before, but with a script written specifically to showcase his particular genius, he completely aces this exam.
The School of Rock may be the best 'inspirational teacher' movie ever made.
Latest News for School of Rock
August 05, 2009:
Columbia Adopts White's Babe in the Woods ![]()
"School of Rock" writer Mike White has sold Columbia Pictures his script for "Babe in the Woods," an action-comedy about "a female freshman from the Midwest who arrives at Yale... More...
October 17, 2008:
UK Critics Consensus: Is Burn After Reading A Coens Classic? Does Eagle Eye Have Enough Action, Man?
In this week's roster of UK cinema releases we have the latest addition to the Coen canon in the CIA comedy caper, Burn After Reading, Shia LeBeouf stakes a further claim to the... More...
September 08, 2008:
Linklater Says "Not So Fast" to School of Rock 2 ![]()
According to Richard Linklater, Paramount may have jumped the gun when they announced that "School of Rock 2" was on its way. More...
July 14, 2008:
Jack Black Heading Back to School ![]()
Looks like Mike White's School of Rock 2 script was pretty solid -- Paramount has given the sequel a green light, and Jack Black has signed on to star. More...
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