Salutations, traveler of The Internets! Welcome to William's Bloody Hell, so named after our founder, Sir Bloody William.
He is seen in the likeness above in a rare, 19th century woodcut. This
image was rumoured to have been
commissioned after a bout of unpleasantness
in the White Chapel district of London. Do enjoy your stay and peruse our many, varied offerings, much of which cannot be found elsewhere!
:: School of Rock ::
by Katherine E Clarke
Dewey Finn is having a crapedelic time of it. He gets kicked out of his band because all the members believe his grandstanding ways will jeopardize their chance to win the Battle of the Bands competition. His roommate is currently dating the Wicked Witch of the West who can’t find enough bad qualities to ascribe to Dewey but keeps diligently trying. And he is about to be kicked out of his apartment for not coughing up his part of the rent.
When Dewey takes a call for his roommate, he thinks one of his problems is solved. Dewey masquerades as his roomie and takes a job as a substitute teacher at an exclusive private school. Those who can’t, teach. Those who can’t teach, sub. So this gig should be pie.
When Dewey hears his students performing in music class, he comes up with the brilliant plan of forming a new band consisting of him, the star, of course, and the kiddies.
Jack Black is in top form as Dewey Finn. Belushi comparisons are inevitable. His mannerisms are somehow both crude and cherubic. Yeah – watch him and then call me a liar. He has an exuberant attitude of confidence despite his obvious deficiencies. I can’t imagine anyone watching him and maintaining a stony face.
As for the rest of the cast…most are one dimensional but well portrayed all the same. Mike White deftly acts the part of Ned Schneebly the best friend, a guy who has said sayonara to his aspirations of singing stardom and wonders when poor Dewey will wake up and smell the coffee. Being of a pondering nature, I couldn’t help but, well, ponder, whether Ned had matured and accepted personal limitations or simply given up on his dreams. I challenge anyone NOT to mutter “bitch” under his or her breath when Sarah Silverman as Patty DeMarco, Ned’s girlfriend, stirs up trouble between the two pals. And, Joan Cusack as Rosalie Mullens, the principal, plays the insecure Type A personality to a T.
Then…there are the kids. Okay, I am just NOT into watching kiddie flicks. I don’t hate children – most of them anyway – but I do hate the way television and the movies generally portray them…as insufferable, sassy mouthed snots who elicit the smack response in me. The stereotypes rear their ugly heads; the overweight child, the know-it-all, the misunderstood youth, etc. Having said that…considering the material, the kiddos done good.
Regarding the general storyline – fairly formulaic. Prepare to suspend your disbelief because this is a fairy tale complete with sappy ending. I can’t grouse too much though – the ending could have been sappier. Messages abound of the feel good variety and we get a history of rock along with a reminder of what the music is all about – self expression. The music IS great and the concert clips a nice touch. Personally I would have been quite happy with more.
I feel I got my money’s worth but, hey, I saw this at a dollar theatre. If I had to pay full price the rating would no doubt be lower.
I give School of Rock a B+.
