‘This toe-tapping film celebrates the transformative power of music and individuality’
One of the most popular family films of the 21st Century, featuring a standout performance from Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars, is on ITV tonight (Saturday).
The electric Jack Black takes centre stage in Richard Linklater’s School of Rock, which was a huge surprise smash in 2003 and has gone on to become a stone-cold classic.
Black plays struggling rock guitarist Dewey Finn, who is fired from his band and ends up posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After witnessing the musical talent of the students, Dewey forms a band to compete in the upcoming Battle of the Bands, seeking revenge on his old band and the winnings to pay his rent.
However, Dewey’s unique teaching style begins to ignite a passion in his pupils, and they, in turn, start to inspire him. Featuring some amazing performances from the young cast (which includes iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove), School of Rock also boasts a killer soundtrack and great supporting performances from the likes of Joan Cusack and Sarah Silverman.
School of Rock received a big thumbs-up from critics. It has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says: “Black’s exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.” Legendary critic Roger Ebert wrote that the film “proves you can make a family film that’s alive and well acted and smart and perceptive and funny – and that rocks.”
It has gone on to make many ‘best of’ lists since, with Looper ranking it number 41 on its 2024 run down of the ’50 Best PG-13 Movies of All Time’, writing “as a feel-good movie for the whole family, its powerful messaging of championing creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of passion leaves viewers of all ages with a sense of joy and optimism after every viewing.”
It was also a huge smash at the box office, too, and earned almost four times its budget to become the highest-grossing music-themed comedy of all time, until it was overtaken in 2015 by Pitch Perfect 2.
Cinema fans have been enjoying School of Rock again and again ever since, with one writing: “School of Rock is about nothing but pure joy and constant smiling. I expected a goofy and funny movie, but this is so much more fun and amazing than I expected.”
Another enthused: “A classic movie that delivers everything it promises. A timeless quirky/funny movie with great lessons hidden in its development, suitable for all ages and young audiences. A beautiful way to spend your time.”
A third said: “School of Rock is an electrifying musical masterpiece that strikes a chord with its exceptional cast, infectious energy, and empowering message. This toe-tapping film celebrates the transformative power of music and individuality, leaving audiences inspired and wanting more. Rock on!”
Despite rumours of a sequel that never happened, the film did spawn a hit stage musical and a television series that ran for three seasons.
School of Rock airs on ITV2 tonight (Saturday, January 2) at 6.45pm.