School of Rock (2003)

Dewey Finn steals his roommate’s name, cashes his paycheck and fibs to a room full of fifth graders for weeks, and School of Rock files all of it under personal growth. The setup is a scam with a heart drawn on it in marker. Sarah Silverman is stuck playing Ned’s girlfriend, whose only job is wanting Dewey gone, and the last act goes exactly where you think. None of that matters once Jack Black starts teaching. He’s a human volume knob cranked all the way up, sweaty, sincere and dead serious about rock history, drawing family trees of bands on the chalkboard like it’s the periodic table. The kids can really play, and when the shy keyboard player finally cracks a smile, it’s a small miracle. Joan Cusack is perfect as a principal who’s one jukebox song away from letting loose. An 8.2 because the music actually rocks, which almost never happens in a kids’ movie. $83.03 says you dig an old instrument out of the closet this week and play exactly one chord before putting it back.

What works: Jack Black’s all-in performance is a joy, and the kids are believable, funny musicians rather than cute props.

What doesn’t: The story runs on a con the movie never takes seriously, and Sarah Silverman’s character is a one-note obstacle.

Who it’s for: Families looking for a movie parents and kids will both enjoy, especially anyone who ever dreamed of starting a garage band.