School of Rock
| 2003Directed by: Richard Linklater
Main Plot
"School of Rock," directed by Richard Linklater, follows Dewey Finn, a struggling rock musician who is kicked out of his band and faces financial difficulties. Desperate for money, he impersonates his roommate and takes a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Initially uninterested in teaching, Dewey discovers the musical talents of his students and decides to form a rock band with them to compete in a local Battle of the Bands contest. As he teaches the kids about rock music and performance, they grow more confident and passionate. Dewey also learns valuable lessons about responsibility and the impact of mentorship. The film culminates in a high-energy performance that showcases the students' growth and Dewey's redemption.
Characters
- Jack Black plays Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who poses as a substitute teacher and forms a rock band with his students to compete in a Battle of the Bands.
- Ned Schneebly, played by Mike White, is Dewey Finn's friend and roommate. Dewey impersonates Ned to secure a substitute teaching job, leading to the formation of a student rock band.
- Joan Cusack plays Principal Rosalie Mullins, who oversees the school and eventually supports the unconventional teaching methods of the protagonist, leading to the students' success.
Ending Explained
In the conclusion of Richard Linklater's "School of Rock," Dewey Finn, played by Jack Black, leads his class of young musicians to the Battle of the Bands competition. Despite initial resistance from parents and school authorities, the students manage to perform an electrifying rock song, "School of Rock," showcasing their talent and the skills they have developed under Dewey's unconventional teaching. Although they do not win the competition, their performance earns them a standing ovation and the respect of the audience, including their previously skeptical parents. After the competition, the film wraps up with Dewey opening an after-school program called the "School of Rock," where he continues to teach music to children in a more informal setting. The final scenes show the students happily engaging in music lessons and jamming together, indicating that Dewey has found a fulfilling way to pursue his passion for rock music while positively impacting the lives of his students. The movie ends on a high note, emphasizing themes of self-expression, the importance of following one's passion, and the transformative power of music education.