Movies

When I first watched this film I did not know what to expect. But was entertained and delighted by its content and spirit. My first thought was how come nothing quite like this has ever been attempted before. It had all the elements that go to make a great story,the enthusiasm of a yet to make it musician, a responsive youthful group of teenage, gifted but unrealised musicians, a controlling, misguided, but persuadable Establishment, and in the blend, the unauthorised teacher of the group nearly discredited. To top it all a contest was entered by this new group of hopefuls, and after initial resistance and disappointment, a final electric performance, gave them all the prize they deserved. There,s only one thing left to say, "they stuck it to the man".

For a movie that started off as clichéd as possible and just pure fantasy – this would NEVER happen – the move was one of those rare experiences that got progressively better and funnier. Sure, it kept its, ah-hem, theme, but it did improve and absolutely worth the whole experience to get to the finale. Not to mention, the kids did great in their roles. But…that all said, overall, the number one best quality was Jack Black himself. His chemistry with the kids, his enthusiasm and belief in this, wasn't just charming and contagious, it was sorely welcomed in this kind of age-old comedy. My only regret: it took me this long to finally see it. In the great words of Kevin Carr: It totally ROCKED!

I avoided this film for years because I thought it would just be Jack Black being loud and overbearing. Luckily, he managed to exceed my expectations. He plays a genuinely lovable character in an equally heartwarming story. It's really much better than I expected.