 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
School of Rock
- Review Date: May 3, 2004
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2003
Common Sense Media says
Standout Jack Black in nerd-becomes-cool comedy.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie includes some strong language, alcohol abuse, and drug references. There is some rude humor. The overall theme of jettisoning schoolwork for rock and roll may also be a concern.
What's the story?
Jack Black plays Dewey Finn, a musician who doesn't just live for rock -- he barely acknowledges that there is anything else. Like the music he loves, Dewey is loud, immature, messy, self-absorbed, passionate, incapable of complying with any authority, rule, or attempt at civilization, and just about irresistible. So he is astonished when he is fired by his band. And when his best friend Ned (screenwriter Mike White), a former rocker-turned-substitute teacher, says he will have to move out if he does not start paying rent. When Dewey intercepts a call from Principal Mullins (Joan Cusack) offering Ned a substitute teacher position for fifth graders at a posh prep school, he accepts and shows up pretending to be Ned. The kids and Dewey learn something new through the experience.
Is it any good?
If there was ever someone born to portray the true spirit of rock and roll, it is Jack Black. That is what SCHOOL OF ROCK needed, and that is just what he does.
This is by far the most accessible and conventional film from director Richard Linklater (Waking Life, Dazed and Confused) and White (Chuck and Buck, The Good Girl), neither of whom are known for heartwarming, feel-good movies. But that is what this is, a sort of To Sir With Love crossed with This is Spinal Tap. Black is enormously entertaining and the kids are terrific.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how much Dewey loves rock and roll. Why is it so important to him? What does it allow him to express? What is the most important thing he learned from the kids, and what is the most important thing they learned from him?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
On of the funniest films ever!
The hilarious screenplay for "School of Rock" is made even better when the main character Dewey is played by the famous comedian Jack Black. Even though the movie is filled with laughter and fun, unfortunately, there's some instances of language and a scene where someone gets drunk.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 28, 2010
AGE
Great Movie!!!
I really loved this movie! I thought it was funny, great and heartwarming. They did swear a lot, though. Over all, it was awesome!!!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
October 16, 2010
AGE
I think it is very good . I wish jack black would watch is mouth . But it is a great family comedy . It also says to do your best , don't give up. Jack Black and Miranda Cosvergro are great role models
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AGE
WOW! A fun feel good movie that gives great messages!
One of my faves of all time, Jack Black transforms from a bad role model to a good one, good acting, there is some mild language, sexual references and references to a hangover, but its really funny and a really likeable film, it makes you feel good and gives you great messages, I love it, 5 out of 5, and ANY kid will like it, provided that they are over 11, 10 year olds might struggle a bit with the mature themes
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AGE
Great music and humor. Just talk to your kids about the dishonesty they pass off as ok.
Our family LOVES this movie. Jack Black is an adorable imbecile who learns some things during movie. The kids are cute, and learn to love music. Just talk to your kids about the dishonesty that they pass off as ok. Do you think the end justifies the means, or is dishonesty just wrong? Why? And I don't know why they had to use so much language for a show obviously aimed at kids.
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AGE
This is the best movie ever but they showed this at cartoon network a couple years ago
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AGE
Cool movie!
I love this movie! And jack black is so awsome! Even better than chuck norris! If you like good comedys with a bit of drama and love in it than you should buy this movie!
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AGE
One of Jack Black's best unoffensive efforts; great music, fun rock references
Our family loved this movie. While the language is a little strong, compared to other movies that are rated the same, it is relatively mild. If your children like rock, it is a lot of fun. If you are a family who tolerates no swearing whatsoever, or if "kick some ass" would shock or offend you, then it's not for you. The overall message is that uptight kids use their skills to create a rock show, a slacker finds a calling and realizes what is really important in life, and forgiveness abounds.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Richard Linklater |
| Cast: | Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 108 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 3, 2003 |
| DVD release date: | March 2, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some rude humor and drug references |
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