The modest success of School of Rock is almost entirely attributable to the manic energy of lead Jack Black.

In his first true showcase role, Black plays Dewey Finn, a thirty-something wannabe rocker who still has aspirations of dominating the musical world. Recently voted out of his rock band, Dewey impersonates his roommate, Ned Schneebly (Mike White), in order to land a job as a substitute teacher and make some much-needed cash. Once on the job, Dewey uses his prep school teaching position to assemble a new music group, consisting of precocious grade schoolers, designed to win the upcoming battle of the bands contest.

The highlights of School of Rock are undoubtedly Black’s classroom rock performances. As Black solos histrionically on his Gibson SG in front of the room of unbelieving youngsters, his unadulterated passion for rock ‘n’ roll is slowly transferred, both to his pupils and the audience. The compositions are purely pedestrian, which is part of the joke of course; still Black’s belief in the redemptive power of music shines through.

Unfortunately, the movie’s story is completely devoid of nuance and the supporting cast is a compilation of tired clichés. The students are comprised of the effeminate male fashion designer, the intellectually blessed yet socially awkward Asian-American and the vocally gifted, over-weight African-American girl, to name just a few. The adult characters fare no better. School of Rock is graced with the up-tight, repressed principal (Joan Cusack) and the domineering girlfriend of Schneebly (Sarah Silverman), who is a walking gender stereotype. One expects better from the talented duo, director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused) and writer Mike White (The Good Girl).

Though the script is quite flawed and formulaic to the point of excess, it’s hard to watch Black vamping with his grade school sidekicks during the end credits and not feel a certain affinity for the movie. All is not forgotten, but few characters have ever overcome so much mediocrity to shine as brightly as Dewey Finn.

Peter Beck

yes, it's true: The name "Jack Black" is a stage name. The comedian’s real name has never been revealed.