Fat Men Jump Off Stage: News At Eleven

I never realised I'd actually cheer to see a grown slightly overweight man do a stage dive in the middle of a rock song. I did, anyway, and man was it good. As I write this entry, the strains of Jack Black's School of Rock band are still in my head, along with the rest of the (dare I say it?) rocking soundtrack.

Every so often comes a wish fulfillment fantasy that doesn't pretend to be anything else. Sometimes, they can be dark (like Willard) and sometimes they can be pink (observe: Legally Blonde). More rarely, they come in an all inclusive feel-good feet tapping combo like the School of Rock. By this time I guess everyone and their pet turtle Harry would've at least heard of the plot: washed out rocker Dewey (Jack Black) teaches a class of snotty prep school kids the art of Rockin' and they go on to win a band contest (yeah, definite Mr Holland's Opus vibes there, only more fun). Typical story for a movie like this. What makes it atypical however, is the delivery.

That's right folks. No amount of character acting can really deliver the passion and love for music that Black's character shows. He sings, he plays, and more importantly, he's real. Having been in a rock band in real life really helped flesh out Dewey's character. There is love for rock, for music and for life. All of which is evident the moment he picks up the guitar. And did I leave out the kids? How could I? From keyboard king Larry to diva Tomika, everyone of these kids don't just act. They also (here it comes again) rock. And they enjoy it, too. Casting did an absolutely bang up job of picking these kids (especially the bassist girl. I have a feeling she'll grow up to be a Christina Ricci of sorts) and it's only right to say that without them, School of Rock would have been just another lame old direct to video flick.

Which brings us to another major star of the show: the music. Much of it is bad-ass old 70s and 80s rock anthems infused with Jack Black. Which works, in the end. Anyone out there holding that Underworld soundtrack? Put it down, and get this one instead. Is it evident yet that I like the movie? I do. And it's rare that a movie like this works on every level. Never work with kids, some Hollywood people say. Happily for Jack Black (and the producers) they'll be laughing at them all the way to the bank.

That was like, awesome, man. What, you're still here? Go get it already.

The Ox gives The School of Rock like a, 4 out of 5. Y' know?