by Cookie N Screen
Richard Linklater is pretty much the darling of the film industry at the moment. It’s not as if he never fell out of that namesake. But since Boyhood landed and we were all treated to his 12 year project that studied time and changes in a suburban family, we all were in a Linklater puddle of goo and have rightly showered presents on the man in the form of awards. During the process of creating Boyhood, the phenomenal director created films around that as well – I mean, that’s a massive feat. There isn’t a bad one on his roster either. From Dazed & Confused to Before Midnight, Linklater has been creating this utterly humanistic, beautifully romantic and astutely funny films.
And then there is School of Rock which may not feel a lot like Linklater but boy, is it a bleeding riot of a film.
Richard Linklater is pretty much the darling of the film industry at the moment. It’s not as if he never fell out of that namesake. But since Boyhood landed and we were all treated to his 12 year project that studied time and changes in a suburban family, we all were in a Linklater puddle of goo and have rightly showered presents on the man in the form of awards. During the process of creating Boyhood, the phenomenal director created films around that as well – I mean, that’s a massive feat. There isn’t a bad one on his roster either. From Dazed & Confused to Before Midnight, Linklater has been creating this utterly humanistic, beautifully romantic and astutely funny films.
And then there is School of Rock which may not feel a lot like Linklater but boy, is it a bleeding riot of a film.
Starring Jack Black in the heyday of his career (back when we all were singing Tribute and putting him in every film including King Kong), School of Rock focuses on Dewey – a wannabe rock star who is struggling to keep paying his rent and keep his band happy. When they eventually kick him out of the band, he finds himself lost. That is until his substitute teacher friend Ned gets a phone call from a private school and Dewey takes up the gig for himself. Despite being the worst teacher to ever grace Horace Greens, he and the students connect over music. As he introduces them to rock 'n' roll, he cultivates a band and enters them in a competition against his previous group….Can they win?
School of Rock is one of those films that seemingly doesn’t work on paper. Yet if you place it on screen, it’s a jubilation of rock music and teaching generations about the legends beforehand. Linklater makes sure that each character is full realised, a combination of being a bit of an arsehole yet being like-able at the same time. Written by Mike White alongside Linklater, it is the perfect balance of being hilarious and fun whilst still having a heart as Dewey connects with the children. Not to mention it is a great rock 'n' roll spirit that drums throughout, celebrating new generations of musicians under the tutelage of the greats.
School of Rock is one of those films that seemingly doesn’t work on paper. Yet if you place it on screen, it’s a jubilation of rock music and teaching generations about the legends beforehand. Linklater makes sure that each character is full realised, a combination of being a bit of an arsehole yet being like-able at the same time. Written by Mike White alongside Linklater, it is the perfect balance of being hilarious and fun whilst still having a heart as Dewey connects with the children. Not to mention it is a great rock 'n' roll spirit that drums throughout, celebrating new generations of musicians under the tutelage of the greats.
But surprisingly, it is Jack Black’s wide-eyed exuberance and over-excitement that really works for the film. Instead of occasionally amusing and mildly irritating, he laps up the role and gives a soulful and still excitable performance. Full on but not over-bearing, he commands the film whilst still allowing us to empathize with Dewey. It’s a brilliant performance, if not one of his best. Then he is surrounded by these prodigy children that deliver these amazing one lines and compliment his vibes completely (man) as well as Joan Cussack playing the stuffy but secretly mischievous head teacher. The cast rock it, literally, punching a major fist into the air.
Most importantly, School of Rock never fails. Much like Mean Girls or Pitch Perfect, it’s a film that has a rambunctious rebellious spirit to it. The finale is just amazing to watch and you’d have to be The Man to hate their performance – especially when Tamika rolls up with her solo and you are suddenly swept up in her amazing vocals. Linklater gifts us an outstanding film that is entertaining for the whole family, is always on tune and hits the same beat with each viewing. Perfect to cheer you up in this winter month!
Most importantly, School of Rock never fails. Much like Mean Girls or Pitch Perfect, it’s a film that has a rambunctious rebellious spirit to it. The finale is just amazing to watch and you’d have to be The Man to hate their performance – especially when Tamika rolls up with her solo and you are suddenly swept up in her amazing vocals. Linklater gifts us an outstanding film that is entertaining for the whole family, is always on tune and hits the same beat with each viewing. Perfect to cheer you up in this winter month!
What Do You Think?
Is School of Rock a Hit Play or a Hit Stop?
What other Linklater essentials do you like?
Read our review of Boyhood which is out on DVD now!
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