neumu [ cinematronic ]




	The School Of Rock
	Richard Linklater Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman 2003		Over-amped rock guitarist Dewey Finn is more than just the perfect role for chunky comic actor and musician Jack Black ("Shallow Hal"). It's a good bet that Dewey, hero of the clever, rollicking comedy "The School of Rock," was created by screenwriter/actor Mike White ("The Good Girl") with Black in mind. And Black, given a long leash by director Richard Linklater ("Waking Life"), makes the most of it. Showboat and slob, Dewey is booted out of a heavy-metal group on the eve of a radio-sponsored Battle of the Bands. His straitlaced roommate Ned (White), a substitute teacher, sympathizes with him, even after Dewey comes up short on the rent. Ned's bitchy girlfriend (Sarah Silverman) isn't so charitable, and warns Dewey to pay up or get out. When a private-school principal (Joan Cusack) phones Ned in search of a sub, Dewey, desperate for cash, takes the call, says he's Ned and gets the job. But all Dewey knows is rock 'n' roll. He chucks the lesson plans so he can whip his fifth-grade class into a contest-winning metal band and prevail over his detractors. Bursting with great rock tunes, loaded with a homeroom full of endearing child actors, and blessed by berserk Black, "The School of Rock" is top-of-the-class.