Last night I took my favorite girl out to The School of Rock, the latest film starring overweight funny man Jack Black. Black has always been a favorite of mine and I was not disappointed in his most recent performance.

Black plays a role that seems hand-crafted for him: A down-on-his-luck musician who has recently been kicked out of his band because of over-the-top on-stage antics. Hard to picture Black in this kind of a role (wink, wink).

Feeling depressed and in need of money to pay the rent Black's character takes a job as an extended substitute teacher for a fourth-grade class. Black is at first predictably nonchalant towards his new responsibility, but soon warms to the kids as he begins teaching his favorite subject, rock and roll.

He quickly discovers latent rocking ability in his classroom and soon a band is formed. Black quickly enters his new kiddie band in a local competition and hilarious hijinx ensue.

This movie is flat-out funny. Jack Black does not need to even act because his character is so like his real-life self. You can feel his passion for the music pouring out of the screen and though he often walks a thin line between comedian and buffoon, he always manages to rein it in before going too far.

I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good time. The jokes aren't brilliant but they'll make you chuckle. The kids are definately ok in coming to this flick. There are some curse words, but they're fairly mild so there's not too much to worry about. Think of it as a family trip down rock and roll's memory lane. Just kick back and be ready to laugh.

Also posted on Say Anything.