School of Rock

Before the Film
This story is about a man who loves rock and roll.  He’s an adult by now and it appears he has tried to play in rock bands his whole life.  He has not earned much of a living so lives with his brother to “get by.” His brother’s girlfriend says he’s mooching which is a colloquial way of saying “not carrying his weight.”  What do these terms mean?  Why is the girlfriend so bothered?

Look for the following and be ready to describe them after the film:

How would you describe the protagonist, the funny Jack Black, of the film? 

How would you describe the school principal?  How are they different?  How are they the same?

How would you describe the students in the classroom?

How would you describe the school, the rules, and the ambient?

There is a great deal of slang in this film.  Understanding every word is not important to follow the film.  But see how many slang expressions you can pick up in the film.

The protagonist needs money.  He even considers selling his precious guitar.  Then one morning he is at home when the phone rings.  It’s a middle school in the area looking for a substitute.  The protagonist is so desperate for money, he lies, says he is his brother, the teacher, and goes to school in his brother’s place.

Rock n Roll is Jack Black’s inspiration.  It is even his reason for living.  Are you inspired by music?  If so, what kind? 
Look for names of Rock n Roll bands you recognize.  Make a list.

The plot of the film involves many lies and truths.  Sometimes a lie is “helpful” to reveal a truth.  And sometimes the truth is “helpful” to reveal a lie.  See if you can give an example of both.

Observe how the story ends.  Do you agree with the ending?  Would you have written the story differently?  How so?

After the Film
Lying is considered unethical.  In the film, the protagonist lies to be able to substitute to earn some money.   Once in the role, he continues to lie to be able to teach his students a new kind of class project, only with rock n roll.  Once he taught his students to play rock, he lied to make sure they could “express” themselves in a new experience of performing music.  Once they “escape” from school to try out for a performance, they are turned down and yet another lie is told to get the kids a chance to perform.
In your opinion, were all the lies of the same degree of unethical behavior.  Is there such a thing as a helpful lie?  Or are all lies unethical, period.  Support your opinion with examples from your life.

How did the students/teacher keep the secret that they were only performing music in the classroom?  How did they set it up to hide what they were doing.  Describe their techniques.

During the film, Jack Black expresses his disappointment in life by telling his students “give up ‘cause you’re gonna lose.  You’ve got to stick it to the man with Rock and Roll.” 
Gonna = Going to
Stick it = to rebel
What does this expression mean?  What did Jack Black want to explain to his students? 

Jack Black says he hates the grades (voti) and demerits system that was represented on the wall with everyone’s name and number of stars earned.  He also says that rock music is NOT about doing things perfect.  What kind of system is the  protagonist looking for?  Why would the vote/demerit system be so bothersome?

As Jack Black forms the band with players – guitarist, pianist, etc, he also wants to include the entire class in the music project.  How does he do so? What other roles does he “invent?”

How would you describe the relationship between Jack Black and the principal?  How does Black talk the principal into letting him go on a “field trip” with the students?

The term, “teacher’s pet” is used in the band’s song they perform for the contest.  That is a phrase that means, “the teacher’s favourite.”  What does “straight A’s” mean?  (An “A” would be the equivalent of a 10 vote)

What do you think about how the story evolves?  There is a sad ending and a happy ending.  How would you describe both?

What did you think of the storyline?  Was it believable?  Interesting?  Funny?  Give your opinion about the characters and how their lives mix to arrive at the conclusion of the film.