Class is in session! This week on So Many Sequels, we’re kicking off our Back to School series with Richard Linklater’s 2003 comedy classic School of Rock. Jack Black’s Dewey Finn might be a terrible substitute teacher, but he’s a rock legend in the making — and the guys dive into why this role made him a leading man.
We break down the movie’s surprising box office success, its timeless soundtrack, and how casting real kids who could actually play their instruments elevated the story. Plus: the film’s place in 2003 pop culture, Richard Linklater’s career boost, and the heartwarming legacy of the cast 20 years later.
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What we cover in this episode:
00:00 – Back to School theme & movie picks
03:00 – School of Rock box office & 2003 movie context
08:00 – Why the soundtrack still slaps 20 years later
15:00 – Jack Black at his peak (and why it worked)
18:00 – How the kids brought authenticity to the band
24:00 – The big Battle of the Bands finale
30:00 – Why wholesome comedies like this are rare today
33:00 – Final ratings & the Letterboxd game
