Mr. Black schools us all in the ways of 'Rock'

If ever there was a movie tailor-made for its star, School of Rock would be it. Jack Black headlines as Dewey Finn, a portly yet pint-sized slack rocker with a sharp tongue and a sharper ax. It is, in essence, a fully fleshed-out extension of his beloved Barry character from High Fidelity, and more so, an extension of Black's being (or, at the very least, his public persona).\nThough the film seems an odd match to its director, esteemed indie vet Richard Linklater, Rock follows on the heels of his most artistically adventurous flicks to date -- the rotoscoped philosophizing of Waking Life and the theatrical date rape "melodrama" Tape. His collaboration with Black and talented up-and-coming screenwriter/actor Mike White (The Good Girl and previous Black vehicle in Orange County) is a throwback to the lighthearted fun of Dazed and Confused -- Linklater's best work. Rock is the director's foremost foray into the mainstream and he makes the transition smoothly, doing a job that's equal parts slick and workmanlike.\nThe flick opens on Dewey, jobless after having been shit-canned out of a band that he himself formed. To make matters worse, he's facing the threat of eviction by his oft put-upon roomie, Ned Schneebly (White) and his bitchy girlfriend, Patty (comedienne Sarah Silverman). That is, until, Dewey intercepts one of Ned's phone calls, passes himself off as a substitute teacher at a posh prep school and tries to make ends meet molding the impressionable minds of a fifth grade class. Eventually, once the possibility of all-day recess fizzles out and Dewey realizes the musical ability of his young charges, a scam is hatched. The tubby teach will transform his tyros into a rock band to end all rock bands. Hilarity and rocking-out of all sorts ensue in this charming, albeit saccharine and formulaic, mishmash of Dead Poets Society and The Bad News Bears.\nBlack is a whirlwind in the flick, spinning about like a devilish dervish -- it's his best onscreen turn since High Fidelity. Luckily, he has a game supporting cast and kick-ass soundtrack backing him up. Most of the kids who comprise his class aren't child actors, but rather, child musicians. The authenticity shines through until the film's final number, which plays like a weird hybrid of "Kids Incorporated" and Tenacious D. Joan Cusack also turns in a solid, if underused, performance, as the school's uptight Stevie Nicks-lovin' principal. \nRarely are feel-good comedies as smart, funny and heartwarming as this. School of Rock makes good on its name.