School of Rock
Published March 15, 2020
Film info
- Title School of Rock
- Director Richard Linklater
- Year 2004
- Run time 1hr 49m
- Genres Comedy, Music
- Tagline He just landed the gig of his life: 5th Grade!
Rock out with Jack Black in the feel-good comedy that became a Broadway musical sensation. Jack Black plays a hell-raising guitarist, kicked out of his band and desperate for work. When he pretends to be a substitute teacher, he finds a new niche in turning his fifth grade class into rock and rollers and preps them for a Battle of the Bands. The movie features a killer soundtrack including Kiss, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, The Who, The Ramones, The Black Keys, David Bowie, T-Rex, The Doors and more!
Live blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 2:19 | Oop, he’s going full Marty McFly. |
| 4:46 | “I serve society by rocking.” |
| 9:23 | Lovely Joan! |
| 14:01 | I feel like the power has gone to his head a bit… recess all the time! |
| 17:58 | “Here’s a useful lesson for you: Just give up.” Dude. |
| 20:23 | His eyebrows! How do you do a Mexican wave with your own eyebrows? |
| 26:32 | You can’t keep a drum kit on the down low. |
| 31:11 | Groupies! |
| 33:17 | That’s how to appease the kid. “You’re in charge of everything.” |
| 38:06 | He’s so energetic! |
| 45:28 | Good soundproofing efforts. |
| 50:23 | And there’s me thinking bass face couldn’t be taught. |
| 1:00:41 | Okay, I’m not on board with telling him the kids are sick. |
| 1:02:30 | I like the mini amp, it’s cute. |
| 1:08:12 | “This is the best school I’ve ever teached at.” |
| 1:08:56 | STEVIE! |
| 1:14:20 | “No more secret songs.” |
| 1:22:00 | Teacher/student confidentiality. |
| 1:32:28 | “We didn’t come here to win, we came here to play one great show.” |
| 1:39:46 | “I’m furious. I’m horrified. But it was incredible.” |
Thoughts
I thought this was going to be more out and out funny, but actually there were a lot of serious edges to it. Jack Black does a great job, especially considering he doesn’t really have anyone to riff off. The kids are great but not exactly comedy partners, so he’s doing a lot of work to keep things moving.
The only downside to the piece is that it felt like he didn’t really have things for all the kids to do. A handful in charge of soundproofing? And security? Not really fair. Not everyone has musical talents.
But overall, a good story, a fun watch, and lovely Joan Cusack is excellent.
Rating: 4 / 5