School of Rock (2003)

 

Yes, this is absolutely a predictable film from start to finish. But it is also one of those feelgood ones, the kind you can always watch when you're feeling in the mood for something to lift your spirits. And it is tailor made for Jack Black's manic energy (except for the swearing part, obviously). 

Black plays Dewey Finn, a guitarist who still thinks he can force stardom, but who is in fact nothing but a loser moving from one deadend band to the next. When he gets kicked out of his current project and really needs money to be able to pay his part of the rent (he shares an apartment with his best friend Ned and Ned's girlfriend), things look rather bleak. 

So as soon as the telephone rings asking for Ned, who is a substitute teacher, Dewey decides to take Ned's place and teach at a fancy prep school, oblivious to how teaching works in actuality. He also starts off thinking he doesn't need to do anything in order to take home the money, but after he hears several of the kids play music, he hatches a scheme to transform them into a rockband that can participate at a massive Battle of the Bands contest. 

So yeah, Dewey isn't the most sympathetic character for a large portion, but he does grow to appreciate and like the kids and in fact manages to teach the kids some stuff and they teach him something. Basically that being selfish isn't okay. And of course it all ends during the contest where the kids win the hearts of the crowd and their parents, but not the contest itself. That would be a little too silly. 

Even though this is once again a variation of the old 'liar revealed' story which, in all honesty, has become incredibly stale, somehow this film is fun enough to stay engaging. A lot of this is down to Jack Black, who has this manic energy and almost unescapable charisma. It's pretty darn tough to not like the guy, even when he's being a douche like in the first half of this film. Then you get Joan Cusack as a bonus, who is always great at whatever she does. Here, that is the headmistress of the school who is actually a rock chick, but who had to leave that part of her personality locked away as the function never allows her to let down her hair, so to speak. 

The kids are also well cast, and most of them do a fine job. Miranda Cosgrove as Summer is pretty entertaining as the hardcore class primus, but she's never annoying. Kids often don't come across as being the best of actors, but for all it's worth, these kids are fine. 

And yes, the music chosen is an amalgamation of classic rock tunes and punk and it is one of those soundtracks that becomes instantly recognisable and just plain cool. A shame the song they decided to go with for the kids' participation to Battle of the Bands falls rather flat in comparison, but that's probably all the copyright coming in full blast. 

This is just a nice and fun lighthearted comedy with a ton of music and fun performances. It's far from being a masterpiece, but it will leave you with a smile on your face.