At the risk of saying something that isn’t the slightest bit controversial, allow me to say I really like Jack Black. He brings a lot of high energy and a bit of physical comedy to many of his better roles (and a number of his lesser ones as well), all the while embodying the general qualities often associated with chubby comedians, namely a fluid agility that seems to belie his size. True, he’s not hugely overweight or anything, but the point stands. When on his A-game, Black brings a lot of comedic energy and charisma to his roles.
Granted, like every actor, it depends largely on whether or not a role and the movie he’s in fits into his acting skillset. Fortunately, there probably isn’t a better showcase for Black’s talents than director Richard Linklater’s School of Rock.
Black stars as Dewey Finn, a guy who wants nothing more but to rock out as leader of his own band. Rock music is pretty much the only thing he enjoys in life, but it hasn’t always been something that worked in his favor. He’s several months behind on his half of the rent, and while his roommate and longtime friend Ned (Mike White, who also wrote the script) might give him a pass, Ned’s pushy girlfriend Patty (Sarah Silverman) wants Dewey to pay up or get out. Likewise, Dewey finds himself drummed out of his own band just before a big Battle of the Bands competition due to his continually going overboard during the gigs the band does get. Desperate for money, he intercepts a call for Mike to substitute teach for a prestigious prep school. Taking his roommate’s name, he takes the job, intending to do as little as possible and collect a check for a few weeks to take care of his back rent obligations.
Then he overhears his class playing in a musical appreciation class, his inner wannabe musician kicks in, and he knows exactly where he’s getting his band for the Battle of the Bands completion.
Given his past as one half of the comedic rock band Tenacious D, the lead role in something like School of Rock is right up his alley. His love for the music is obvious, and his enthusiasm is infectious. As Dewey gives each of the kids a role in the band, ranging from groupie to roadie to security to musician, he taps into something that allows each student to work to his or her best, particularly the class know-it-all overachiever as the band manager. Likewise, we see Dewey actually doing a lot to help the kids in ways that involve self-esteem and confidence and other life lessons that don’t come from a textbook.
Factor in as well beyond Black is a fairly talented cast of kids and adults, including the always-welcome and reliable Joan Cusack at the school’s principal, some rockin’ tunes, and a fun script, and you get a fun movie. True, a movie like this sinks or swims on the strength of its lead actor, but this may also be one of the most commercial movies Linklater has yet made. A lot of fun all the same, and an easy reminder why Black, given the right material, can be a truly welcome screen presence.
Grade: A-
0 Comments