The School of Rock is an enormously entertaining feel-good family film, that is nigh on perfection. The story is great, and doesn't preach in any way, and Jack Black, who I like, although I hated NeverEnding Story 3 which had him in(and wasted him),is outstanding as Dewey Finn, an ex-rocker who is hired as a substitute teacher at a prep school. Joan Cusack gives a very good account of herself as the prim and proper headmistress, and all the children, whom Dewey accidentally discovers their musical talents give strong performances too. The soundtrack is awesome, and the script verges very often to hysterically funny, with some undertone of sensitivity. There are one or two slow bits in the middle half, other than that, it is an exhilarating and hugely enjoyable comedy film. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is a slacker rocker. He's been sponging off his friend Ned (Mike White). Ned's girlfriend Patty (Sarah Silverman) is not having it and forces Dewey to start paying his share of the rent. Even Dewey's band has had it with him and fires him. He has nothing until a call for Ned to substitute teach. Dewey impersonates Ned to get the job for the pay. He's not a good teacher until he starts up a band with the kids.

Director Richard Linklater and writer Mike White have created a fun enjoyable movie. And Jack Black is at his best in this movie. He's a slacker but he still has great likability. And the kids include a kiddie Miranda Cosgrove and some very talent real musical kids. They are a great foil to Dewey's cynicism. There are some great rock music, and then there is the standard band competition. This is loads of fun.

After being fired from his own band, the guitar player Dewey Finn (Jack Black) needs to raise some money to pay for his rent and his bills. When his friend and school teacher Ned Schneebly (Mike White) is called to a temporary work in an expensive private school, Dewey pretends to be Ned and accepts the job. He finds talented young musicians in his class, and he decides to form a rock-and-roll band with the students and win a competition called "Battle of Bands" to raise the prize and be recognized in the show business.

"The School of Rock" is a very funny and politically incorrect comedy tailored for Jack Black. He steals the movie and rocks in the role of a rock-and-roll lover, who dreams to be successful as a guitar player. Most of the lines belong to him, and I believe this movie is his best individual performance in his successful career. Joan Cusack is excellent as usual, and Miranda Cosgrove seems to have potential and be a great promise as actress. The soundtrack is a great homage to rock-and-roll, with many classics including Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song". The DVD is full of worthwhile Extras, and in the end this film is an excellent funny entertainment. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Escola de Rock" ("School of Rock")