I'm a chick who has never played guitar and I LOVE *School of Rock.*

[Plaid Adder]

I just wanted to put in a plug for this movie. I watched it with my partner last night and we both really enjoyed it. On top of everything else, it is one of the better movies out there in terms of showing how teaching actually works (call me crazy, but it's more realistic than *Dead Poets Society*, *Mona Lisa Smile,* and all the rest of that stuff). And the kids are really good! DVD has many amusing bonus features too.

The only thing is that I wish they had done more with the girl bass player. She was the only chick in the band and she was also the only one who didn't have a solo. My partner hypothesized that they had a hard time finding 10 year old girls who could play the instruments at the required level, since rock is widely supposed to be a boy thing. Still, I really liked Joan Cusack's character, and she sort of made up for Ned's harpy iron lady bitch from hell girlfriend.

Rock on,

The Plaid Adder

[Red_Viking]

1. One of our faves!

We love Jack Black. He's one of the only actors I can think of who would not be upstaged by a bunch of cute, talented kids. He's a scream.

We saw the film in the theater, waited months for it to come out on DVD, then bought it immediately.

The girl bass player didn't get much screen time, for sure. We noticed that as well. But, maybe she's very shy. You're right, though; it was probably difficult to find a girl who plays bass. My daughter was inspired by the drummer to take up music lessons. She's 13. :)

So count me as another chick who's never played guitar but loved the movie.

BTW, on the extra features, you get to see the iron lady being a normal person. Apparently, the kids liked her. I was hoping her character was not indicative of her off-screen persona! What a nightmare.

Your column yesterday ROCKED. Keep up the good work!

:dem:

RV

[supernova]

4. JB says as much on the DVD

:D He mentions I think in the VH1 diary that old axiom that you should never work with kids or animals because they'll upstage you. But Jack basically blows that theory out of the water saying something like "I'm a big kid anyway."

I adore this movie. It's as good in it's own way as Finding Nemo. When I'm not laughing out loud, I'm grinning from ear to ear. :D

Yes, my only reget is that the girl bass player didn't get more time.

[TheBlob]

2. I rented it last weekend

My G/F and I loved it. We're both musicians and she actually is a pre-school teacher so I guess it resonated with her.

We watched it twice and now my G/F wants to buy the DVD.


Very funny.

Those little girls singing...

"Ya know you're not hardcore, unless you live hardcore"

is just hilarious.

[liberalmike27]

3. I agree

I rent a lot of movies, and I have liked all of the movies Jack Black has been in. It was cute and funny, and had a lot of elements of band days, stupefying hangovers, waking up and not knowing who you needed to apologize to, having to kick folks out of bands, and in particular the conflict between girlfriends and friends. In adult bands this is particularly noticeable, the "Ono" syndrome.

Probably the best movie of twenty or so I've seen in the last month is Runaway Jury with Gene Hackman, and John Kusack. I rented three, and watched it last, not expecting a whole lot, but it really surprised me, I enjoyed it immensely.

[Skittles]

5. I enjoyed it too, Plaid Adder

I went to see it at the dollar theater and was pleasantly surprised how entertaining it was. :)

And Joan Cusack is an American treasure !

[Beetwasher]

6. Bass Solos are Usually Decidedly Boring

So, it's no wonder they didn't have her solo...I have heard good things about this movie too...I've always thought Black was hilarious in all his roles...

[blueraven95]

7. I loved that they let the kids be kids

and did not make them small adults. I think that is what made the movie so good...

And Jack Black of course.

[tridim]

8. The best "extras" moment by far

is when Jack Black is being interviewed and he explains that they originally wanted to make the film a musical. He then starts singing something like, "I'm hungry... I'd like some cheese" His facial expressions are so freaking priceless, I was LOL for about 10 minutes. :D I know it doesn't sound funny from my description, you have to be there. Don't miss the extras!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. Mr. Black seemingly shares my opinion about musicals.

:yourock: