Cady's Take:

Initially, Dewey just wants the kids to leave him alone. He's got a hangover, after all. But when he learns some of these affluent kids play musical instruments, seeds of hope make guitar windmills in his head. Dewey starts transforming the kids into a rock group in the hopes of winning $20,000 in a Battle of the Bands contest. In the process of course, he teaches the kids some good solid Rock 'n Roll values and grows a little himself. While encouraging the kids to hide their "school project" from the academy's uptight principal (Joan Cusack), Dewey shows the rich kids how to "stick” it to the man".

Black is a bona fide rocker himself and it shows both in the veracity of his playing and the authentic anarchy he brings to his role. One key element in the success of the film is that the kids-largely newcomers making their screen debuts-are portrayed more like real kids and less like sitcom contrivances and are actually very good musicians

One can't say enough about how much energy and conviction Black infuses into his part. "School of Rock" is an exuberant, irresistible film that's smart, silly and actually rocks. It's pure feel-good entertainment. Jack Black I salute you.

In the same vein as “Kindergarten Cop,” Jack Black takes “School of Rock” and makes a heartwarming film about how kids change grownups. Although not as funny as Arnold, Jack certainly does play a fish-out-of-water and I bet it must have been a riot for these kids to work on this film.

Black plays Dewey, a loveable loser with a passion for one thing only – rock music. When he gets kicked out of his own band, and his roommate Ned demands some cash for rent Dewey decides to masquerade as Ned and substitute teach for some “easy” cash. Upon arriving at the school we meet Principle Mullins (Joan Cusack), an uptight administrator who maybe has a little rock ‘n’ roll in her, too. Dewey takes over the class and it looks like he plans on sleeping through his teaching stint until it dawns on him – these kids could be his new band! Instruments and jobs are assigned and hilarity ensues. These kids are cute and precocious but also very real and convincing. They don’t fall in love with Dewey but continually question him and that is where the beauty of this movie lies: these kids challenge Dewey, and he’s never really been challenged before. Ever.

There are lots of great performances here, and the kids really shine. Jack Black is outrageous but not overpowering and the kids are not overly cute. Mike White plays Ned, Dewey’s roommate whose identity he steals to get the job, and Sarah Silverman plays Ned’s bossy girlfriend who is constantly telling him to stick up to everyone – except for herself of course.

In spite of the PG-13 rating I would say this movie is appropriate for kids as young as 8 or 9 and certainly as old as 80 or 90. If you need a family film this weekend “School of Rock” should be on the list.