The Academy of Motion Pictures needs to retroactively adjust their nominees for Best Actor in the 2004 Oscars and put Jack Black’s name in for School of Rock. If they could nominate Jack Sparrow, they could’ve nominated Jack Black. And I’m not even the biggest fan of Jack Black, especially with his recent outings, but the man in School of Rock was simply captivating and seemingly possessed by the Gods of rock n’ roll. 

It’s not just Jack Black, though. School of Rock deserved a showering of accolades, including for its original screenplay and Richard Linklater’s wonderful direction. And don’t get me started on how ludicrous it is that the film got no nods for some of its tremendous original songs. Alas, this is to be expected, as School of Rock isn’t your “traditional” Oscar film. And, in fairness, Black wouldn’t stand a chance against the bawling Sean Penn in Mystic River. 

Nevertheless, School of Rock is such a beautifully joyous movie that tells a fairly simple story. But it executes that story with a nuanced roundedness that deftly skirts past narrative tropes to keep its themes and characters fresh and original. Richard Linklater does a fantastic job of directing the dreams, joys, and melancholia of everyday people. If you’ve watched any of his “Before” trilogy, you’ll know what I mean. Yes, much of this is propelled by Mike White’s script, but Linklater’s sensibilities behind the lens carry those words off the page to make School of Rock a truly original and joyously heartfelt movie. 

Jack Black not only brings his iconic frenzied energy, but also a softness when working with these kids. That, in particular, was quite impressive. How Black never treated these child actors as children, but rather as equals doing the same work as actors. It makes for a performance that never feels as if Black is simply pompously taking over the screen to showcase his whimsy, but rather sharing his kooky whimsy with fellow actors. 

I’d watched School of Rock back when I was a kid and remember enjoying it, but watching it all these years later as an adult made me appreciate it all the more. Jack Black, please, you’ve had your fun (and money) with these video game adaptations, but now it’s time to go back to making movies about flawed but endearing characters who love music.

Be sure to check out our TikTok page for the video version of this series!