School of Rock (2003) - A Joyous Jack Black Vehicle That Truly Rocks Hard

There are some movies that, for any number of reasons, assume a certain mythic stature in our lives. Perhaps we first watched them at a very special or formative period in our younger years. Perhaps we have memories of watching them with friends or family that give them a unique resonance in our minds. Perhaps they've simply ingrained themselves in our psyches due to the sheer number of times we've seen them. Or perhaps all of these things are true.

Such is the case for me in regards to the classic Richard Linklater comedy, School of Rock. This is a movie that I saw very early on in my childhood, and while it's not really a film geared towards young kids, something about it was overpoweringly appealing, and it quickly became among my all-time favorite movies. I have seen this film more times than I can count, and I could probably quote it front to back. I will attempt to be as impartial as possible in my analysis, but I very much doubt I will be able to separate my storied history with School of Rock from my current thoughts about it. I'm only human, after all.

This movie was made for Jack Black. No, really, Mike White specifically wrote the part of Dewey Finn for Black after the pair worked together on Orange County (2002) just a year earlier. With this in mind, it's easy to understand how Black so completely owns this role, and the entire movie by extension. It was tailor made to spotlight Black's unique comic energy, and he showcases his manic tendencies every chance he gets. He gives an utterly show-stealing performance as the aforementioned lead character, Dewey Finn.

Finn is a down-on-his-luck rock musician who pretends to be his roommate, a substitute teacher, upon accepting a gig at a prestigious private school. It's a fun setup, and it allows for some very enjoyable fish-out-of-water humor that Black revels in.

The basic story, for those unfamiliar, is that, while Finn initially plans to just let the kids horse around for his three-week stay and collect his paycheck without teaching a single lesson, he subsequently uncovers some of the children's latent musical talent and embarks on a mission to win a Battle of the Bands competition with a rock band comprised of his 10-year old students. As you might imagine, plenty of shenanigans ensue. And it's a complete blast.

School of Rock could have easily succumbed to its own inherent silliness and devolved into a mindless slapstick affair. It's directed by Richard Linklater, though, a storyteller of considerable merit and ambition. Linklater refuses to let his film lose sight of its characters and their plights in favor of cheap laughs. Despite the fact that it is, ultimately, a light-hearted flick packed to the brim with absurd comedy, it takes itself seriously enough that the audience is compelled to as well. There is hilarity aplenty throughout School of Rock, but there's also a judicious undercurrent of good-hearted tenderness that makes it the quintessential "feel-good movie" experience without being overly obtuse or sickeningly sappy.

The true miracle of this movie is the fact that it somehow makes us root for Dewey Finn, or "Mr. S" as his students know him. Finn is deceptive, manipulative, and overall not an especially virtuous individual. By way of Jack Black's earnest performance and the manner in which he ingratiates himself with the students of Horace Green Preparatory School, he ultimately wins our sympathies. He's not a bad person. He's just never been given a reason to act like a good one. His relationship with these kids changes that. The connection he forms with his students, especially those going through struggles of their own who benefit directly from his surprising wisdom, is actually quite affecting. Subtly so, but affecting nonetheless.

The proceedings culminate in the student's band, of course dubbed the "School of Rock", as they perform for a sizable crowd at the Battle of the Bands. This finale is triumphant, a joyful vindication for Dewey and his efforts to make something of his life, all while showcasing the impressive musical skills of the film's child performers. The film soars in its final act, and it leaves the audience similarly flying high as the credits ultimately roll. It's one of those movies that makes you want to stand up and cheer.

Well, how did I do? Was I unbiased enough? I hope so. There are definitely plenty of flaws one might notice while watching the film, particularly upon multiple viewings. Mike White's screenplay is not airtight. Not all of the film's logic is sound. But really, none of that takes away from its uproarious spirit. Black is hysterical, Joan Cusack's turn as the school's uptight principal is a hoot, and the child actors are all game (including a young Miranda Cosgrove).

And in addition to it being an uber quotable and genuinely funny comedy, it's a love letter to classic rock and the unifying power of music. Do yourself a favor. Watch this movie. If you don't, you're a fat loser and you have body odor.

A+

                     

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