May 7, 2010
"School of Rock" Movie Review
"School of Rock" Movie Review "Know Before You Go" reg; Film/Video Reviews from a Family Perspective Philip Boatwright, Editor Theatrical Release "School of Rock." Jack Black, Joan Cusack. Paramount. Comedy. Hell-raising guitarist Dewey Finn (Black) worships the power of rock and roll. With a penchant for stage-dives and 20-minute solos, Dewy is determined to lead his rock group to victory at the local Battle of the Bands#133;but his bandmates fire him instead. Down and out, in need of rent money and wallowing in his apartment strewn with take-out containers, Dewey picks up a phone call intended for his roommate, and impulsively accepts a job as a substitute teacher at the prestigious Horace Green Elementary School. While Dewey hasn't a clue how to teach, he does know how to inspire confidence in his young fifth graders. And when he accidentally overhears them performing in an orchestra class, he decides to mold these young musical prodigies into a high-voltage rock band, and allow himself to lead the unknowing students to victory in the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest. Anti-establishment to the hilt, irreverent to the max, Jack Black's Dewey Finn is Mad Magazine's answer to "Mr. Holland's Opus." Self-centered and slovenly, this is one movie teacher not concerned with being educator of the year. He just wants to know when it's time for lunch. But along the way, don't you know, he learns life lessons. Parents beware, however; although he gets his pupils to overlook their outward appearance (some are overweight, some fear they are perceived as geeks), Dewey is teaching them to "kick ass" and "stick it to the man." True, nothing can be taken seriously in this overwrought comedy, but I'm not sure many of you will want your little ones sensing they must rebel against "the man." I think it's best to wait until they graduate grammar school before they join Greenpeace, don't you? PG-13 (a few expletives - some from kids - and several rude comments, but no harsh or profane language; while the lead does promote rebellion, and while there is the occasional drug reference, the lead is anti-drugs and believes in heading an RR band, not to "get chicks," but as an artistic expression; he tells lies continuously, but by film's end teaches the kids that it is wrong to lie - well, sort of; a long running gag implies that one of the students has gay tendencies; the lead takes the school principal - an excellent Joan Cusack - out for drinks, attempting to get her drunk, thereby winning her over to his deceitful plan to get the kids out of school and to the contest audition; though he teaches the kids to respect themselves, Dewey doesn't show much tolerance for those he does not like, sending the message that we should care for our friends and loved ones, but simply use others - not exactly a New Testament teaching). Vid. Alt. "Yours, Mine and Ours." Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda. Based on a true story of a widow with eight kids who marries a widower with ten. Lucy is very funny in this film for the whole family. DEFINITIONS Crudity - A word or action lacking in culture, tact Expletive - A mild obscenity or needless expression Obscenity - Objectionable or repugnant to acceptable standards of decency or morality; indecent; pornographic Profanity - Irreverence toward God Blasphemy - To speak contemptuously of God Adult subject matter - Situations or subjects unsuitable for or difficult to comprehend by children For further information, visit www.moviereporter.com . "Know Before You Go" reg;Philip Boatwright, Editor Film/Video Reviews from a Family Perspective, Email: moviereporter@sbcglobal.net . Published by C. C. Publications, 835 Northstar Ct., Tonganoxie, KS 66086. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com

Posted by Staff at 1:59 AM