I really thought this movie was very funny, even though I wasn't a huge fan of some of the classic rock. Even so, most of the references were to culture classics so well-known that it didn't matter whether or not I liked it to recognize it. Allusions to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and the Sex Pistols make this movie worthwhile to all classic rock and metal fans, but was not intended only for them. Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is a rocker in a mid-life crisis. Currently rooming with his friend Ned Schneebly (Mike White) and Ned's girlfriend, Patty Di Marco (Sarah Silverman), the crazy guitar player finds himself unable to pay his share of the rent when his band, No Vacancy, votes him out. Ned is practicing to become a schoolteacher and currently works as a substitute. One day, Dewey receives a call from Horace Green Elementary School, one of the finest private schools in the state, asking for Ned to sub for a 4th grade class. A teacher broke a limb and needs a replacement for about a month or two. Desperate for cash, Dewey pretends to be Ned and takes the job for himself. At first, Dewey resents the job and the children, but after he hears them play in music class, he comes up with a brilliant idea. They will be his newest band, appropriately named 'The School of Rock.' Teaching these 4th graders to play rock will be tough, considering they've never been exposed to it in their lives. If the band works out and they somehow make it into the Battle of the Bands (and win), Dewey will be able to pocket an extra $200,000 for the prize! This is easier said than done, however, as the prep school's principal, Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack) is 'the Man' and wants subs to stay in their classrooms. Will Dewey be able to organize his band, pull off this 'field trip', and win the grand prize? Even so, it's all about the music anyways. I mean, the 'Sex Pistols never won anything.' I liked the children's acting, especially on the parts of Miranda Cosgrove, playing the teacher's pet, Summer Hathaway, and Maryam Hassan, playing the shy singer, Tomika. Today's lesson: buy this movie!
