The 2003 film School of Rock is about a struggling rock guitarist named Dewey Finn (Jack Black) who is fired from his band and subsequently poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Dewey discovers that his students are talented musicians, and he decides to form a rock band with them.
Dewey's goal is to enter the Battle of the Bands competition and win the grand prize. However, he must also deal with the school's uptight principal, Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack), who is determined to stop Dewey and his band from performing.
School of Rock is a heartwarming and funny film about the power of music to bring people together. It is also a celebration of individuality and self-expression. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic.
Here are some of the key themes of the film:
- The power of music to bring people together
- The importance of individuality and self-expression
- The importance of teamwork and friendship
- The importance of overcoming obstacles
- The importance of believing in yourself
Plot
Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is a struggling rock guitarist who is kicked out of his band. He is desperate for money to pay his rent, so he answers an ad for a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Dewey impersonates his roommate, Ned Schneebly, who is a real substitute teacher.
Dewey quickly discovers that his students are talented musicians, and he decides to form a rock band with them. He calls the band "School of Rock," and he teaches his students how to play rock music. Dewey's goal is to enter the Battle of the Bands competition and win the grand prize.
However, Dewey must also deal with the school's uptight principal, Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack), who is determined to stop Dewey and his band from performing. Principal Mullins believes that rock music is corrupting her students, and she tries to get Dewey fired.
Dewey and his students must work together to overcome Principal Mullins and win the Battle of the Bands competition. In the end, Dewey's students learn to express themselves through music, and they gain confidence in themselves. Dewey also learns to be a responsible teacher and a better person.
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Cast
- Jack Black as Dewey Finn (lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar), an energetic, down-on-his-luck guitarist slacker who becomes a substitute teacher.
- Joan Cusack as Rosalie "Roz" Mullins, the overworked principal of the Horace Green prep school who secretly loves rock music.
- Mike White as Ned Schneebly, Dewey's responsible but submissive roommate and best friend, who formerly dreamed of being a rock star, but gave up.
- Sarah Silverman as Patty Di Marco, Ned's domineering girlfriend, who strongly dislikes Dewey and constantly tries to convince Ned to kick him out of the apartment.
- Miranda Cosgrove as Summer "Tinkerbell" Hathaway (band manager), the class factotum
- Joey Gaydos Jr. as Zack "Zack-Attack" Mooneyham (lead guitar)
- Kevin Clark as Freddy "Spazzy McGee" Jones (drums)
- Rivkah Reyes[a] as Katie "Posh Spice" (bass)
- Robert Tsai as Lawrence "Mr. Cool" (keyboards)
- Maryam Hassan as Tomika "Songbird" (formerly "Turkey Sub") (lead and backing vocals)
- Aleisha Allen as Alicia "Brace Face" (lead and backing vocals)
- Caitlin Hale as Marta "Blondie" (lead and backing vocals)
- Brian Falduto as Billy "Fancy Pants" (band stylist)
-Z Infante as Gordon "Roadrunner" (assistant, lights) - James Hosey as Marco "Carrot Top" (assistant, special effects)
- Angelo Massagli as Frankie "Tough Guy" (security)
- Cole Hawkins as Leonard "Short Stop" (security)
- Jordan-Claire Green as Michelle (groupie)
- Veronica Afflerbach as Eleni (groupie)
- Adam Pascal as Theo (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
- Lucas Babin as Spider (lead guitar)
- Lucas Papaelias as Neil (bass, backing vocals)
- Chris Stack as Doug (drums)
- Frank Whaley as Battle of the Bands director (uncredited)
Director: Richard Linklater
Writers: Mike White
Box Office Gross: $131,095,990
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: October 3, 2003