Name: The School of Rock
Genre: Comedy, Music, Family
Released: 2003-10-03
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 7.1
Cast: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Silverman, Miranda Cosgrove

The School of Rock

Lessons on Life and Losing

Dewey Oh, you wanna learn something?

Summer Yes, I do.

Dewey You want me to teach you something? Here's a useful lesson for you: give up. Just quit. Because in this life, you can't win. Sure, you can try. But in the end you're just gonna lose, BIG TIME. Because THE WORLD is run by The Man.

[most of the students nod; really getting angry]

Frankie Who?

Dewey The Man. Oh, you don't know The Man? He's everywhere. In the White House, down the hall, MISS MULLINS, she's The Man. And The Man ruined the ozone, and he's burning down the Amazon, and he kidnapped Shamu and put her in a chlorine tank! Okay? And there used to be a way to stick it to The Man. It was called rock ‘n’ roll. But guess what. Oh, no.! The Man ruined that too with a little thing called MTV! So don’t waste your time trying to make anything cool or pure or awesome, because The Man’s just going to call you a fat, washed up loser and crush your soul. So do yourselves a favor and just GIVE UP!!!!

[class shakes their heads]

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Questioning Educational Influence on Students' Interests

Dewey Yeah, you know, uh, math, English... Uh... What else? Science... What else? Geography, history, Latin, Spanish, French, Latin, uh, math... Did I say that already? Anyway, you know, just all the stuff you want your kids to know, it's been covered, okay? So... it was great to meet you all, and, uh, drive safe.

[clicks tongue]

Zack's Father Excuse me. Ever since you started teaching here, all my son can talk about is music. He says when he grows up, he wants to be a musician. Is this your influence?

Summer's Mother Yeah, what...? Mr. Schneebly, why has my daughter become obsessed with David Geffen?

Lawrence's Father And how is this homework?

[holds up a copy of Yes's album "Fragile"]

Dewey Okay, see, I would like to tell you about what we've been doing in here, but there's such a thing as teacher-student confidentiality, and I don't want to be in breach of educational law cause I could be dismembered by the teacher's union. So...

Zack's Father You expect us to believe this garbage?

Tomika Mr. S, don't you think you should just tell them about the project?

Tomika's Mother What project?

Lawrence Our class project. Every school in the state is competing.

Lawrence's Father Competing?

Summer It's not till next quarter, but Mr. S wanted us to get a head start.

Summer's Mother Well, what's the project, Summer?

Summer It's prestigious. A win will go on our permanent record, Mom.

Summer's Mother Oh.

Summer You might as well tell them, Mr. Schneebly.

Dewey Okay, look, I've gotten to know your kids over the past few weeks, and they are awesome. Zack is an insane guitarist. He's the next Hendrix, and he's 10 years old. And Gordon here, he's a genius! He did a whole professional light show on his computer in three days. And, um... And-and-and-and Marta here, she's-she's-she's... She can hit an A above high C. Did you know that? Cause that's tough. Not many singers can do that. And-and, uh... Uh... Uh... Summer... Summer is gonna be the first woman President of the United States of America, and she could run later this year even, and I would vote for her. Look, you guys, they're just all really cool kids. And if they were mine, I would be so proud. And I am proud, just to even know them. And, um...

[Ned looks at Dewey as the policeman continues talking with Patty; Mullins and another policeman get in on the conversation between Patty, Ned, and the first policeman]

Policeman Sir, can I see you in the hall for a moment?

Dewey Can I just...? Let me just say a couple more things.

Zack's Father What's going on?

Summer's Mother What's happening, Officer?

Policeman Apparently, that man is not Ned Schneebly.

Parents What?

Policeman This man is Ned Schneebly.

Patty Yeah, he's not even a teacher!

Dewey You called the cops?!

Ned She did. She got it out of me. Sorry.

[points to Patty]

Patty You're apologizing to him?!

Ned Sorry.

Mullins Ned... Ned, is this true? Who are you?

[to Dewey; looks at the real Ned, then Dewey]

Dewey My name is Dewey Finn. And no, I'm not a licensed teacher, but I have been touched by your kids. And I'm pretty sure I've touched them.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Classroom Expectations and Student Engagement

Michelle Are you going to teach us anything? Or are we just going to sit here?

Dewey Just do whatever you want.

[mumbles]

Summer I want to learn from my teacher.

Dewey Besides that! Freddy, what do you like to do?

[loudly]

Freddy I dunno... burn stuff?

[drawing flames on the name tag on his desk]

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The School of Rock

Guitar Significance in School of Rock Scene

Dewey Uh-huh. Yes. Yeah, it's a 1968 Gibson SG, mint condish. No. That's all? Well, that's a mistake. No, Hendrix played this guitar.

[pause]

Dewey Hello?!

[hangs up]

Dewey Yeah?

Mullins Is this Mr. Schneebly?

Dewey No, he's not here.

Mullins Oh, could you take a message for me?

Dewey Um... Yeah.

Mullins Hi, my name's Rosalie Mullins. I'm the principal here at Horace Green Prep, and we're having a little emergency here; one of our teachers broke her leg on the way to school this morning, and all of our subs are already working. Pat Wickam at Milton Prep recommended I give Mr. Schneebly a call. Do you know if he's available?

Dewey Um... How long is the gig?

Mullins Excuse me?

Dewey Uh, how long is the job?

Mullins My guess is as much as a few weeks, but we do need somebody to start immediately.

Dewey Mmm-hmm. So how much are we talkin here?

Mullins We pay our substitutes $650 a week. Now, do you know when Mr. Schneebly will be back?

Dewey Hold on a sec... Oh, you know what? I think he's just comin in right about... Ned, phone!

Dewey Hello, this is Ned Schneebly.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Pledge of Allegiance to the Band

Dewey I pledge allegiance...

Class I pledge allegiance...

Dewey ...to the band...

Class ...to the band...

Dewey ...of Mr. Schneebly...

Class ...of Mr. Schneebly...

Dewey ...and will not fight him...

Class ...and will not fight him...

Dewey ...for creative control...

Class ...for creative control...

Dewey ...and will defer to him on all issues related to the musical direction of the band.

Dewey LET'S GET ROCKIN'!!!!

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Breaking Rules to Embrace Rock and Roll

Dewey If you wanna rock, you gotta break the rules. You gotta get mad at The Man, and right now I'm The Man. That's right, I'm The Man, and who's got the guts to tell me off? Huh? Who's gonna tell me off?

Freddy Shut the hell up, Schneebly!

Dewey That's it, Freddy. That's it! Who can top him?

Alicia Get outta here, stupid ass.

Dewey Yes, Alicia.

Summer You're a joke. You're the worst teacher I've ever had.

Dewey Summer, that is great. I like the delivery because I felt your anger.

Summer Thank you.

Lawrence You're a fat loser, and you have body odor.

Dewey All right. All right! Now is everyone nice and pissed off?

Class Yeah!

Dewey Good! Time to write a rock song! Now what makes you mad more than anything in the world?

Dewey Billy?

Billy You.

Dewey Billy, we've already told me off. Let's move on.

Billy You're tacky and I hate you.

Dewey Okay, you see me after class.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Defying Authority in School of Rock

Dewey How'd you guys get in here?

[half asleep]

Freddy Front door was open.

Dewey Why aren't you guys in school?

Lawrence We did what you told us. We stuck it to the Man.

Dewey Forget about everything I told you. Look, I'm a loser, okay? You listen to my advice, you'll end up like me with nothing.

Freddy Come on, man, quit goofing around. This is serious business. We're on a mission. One great rock show can change the world. Look out the window.

[bus horn honks from outside]

Dewey No way... That is so punk rock...

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The School of Rock

Band Dynamics and Serious Competition

Dewey Hey! What's up? Is that a new song? Who's this guy?

Theo Dewey, we're taking the Battle of the Bands seriously this year.

Dewey Good, because I need the money. Now, listen. If we're gonna win this thing, we gotta actually start playing some music.

Theo I agree. You're fired.

Dewey Your lyrics, now, don't take this the wrong way, Theo, are lame. But I've been sitting on some awesome material, so...

Theo Dewey, did you hear what I said? We voted. You're out. This is Spider; he's replacing you.

Spider What's up, dawg?

Neil I was gonna tell you last night, Dewey, but you passed out, man.

Dewey Okay, you're gonna kick me out of the band? You're gonna fire me? Well, this is my band. I brought us together.

Neil Theo wanted you out. There's nothing I could do.

Theo Shut up, man. You voted him out, too. I didn't tell you what to do. Dewey, listen to me. You're a good guitar player, but it's the 20-minute solos, it's the stage dives. We're trying to land a record deal here, man, and you're an embarrassment.

Dewey Read between the lines, Theo. Read between the lines!

[raises three fingers]

Neil Dewey, man, I hope this doesn't come between us. Like, I care about you, man.

Dewey You guys, you know what? You're nuts. You're all nuts. You've been focused so hard on making it, you forgot about one thing. It's called the music. And I don't even care. You know what? So what? I don't wanna hang out with wannabe corporate sellouts. I'm gonna form my own band and we're gonna start a revolution, okay? And you're gonna be a funny little footnote on my epic ass. I feel sorry for you guys.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Questioning Roles in Music Enthusiasm

Dewey Morning, Summer.

Summer Groupie?

Dewey What's the matter?

Summer You want me to be a groupie?

Dewey Well, groupie is an important job.

Summer I researched groupies on the Internet. They're sluts, they sleep with the band!

Dewey No, that's not true! They're like cheerleaders.

Summer I don't want to be a cheerleader. Look, my mother's a room parent, and she's not gonna be happy when she hears about this.

Dewey Okay, I didn't want to say this to you in front of the other kids cause I didn't want to make them jealous, but I made a special position just for you. And it's the most important job of all: band manager.

Summer Band manager?

Dewey Oh, yeah.

Summer What's that?

Dewey Well, I'm gonna be busy rocking out, so it's up to you to make sure everyone is doing their job. Summer, you're in charge of everything.

Summer Okay.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Dewey Finn Takes Charge in Class

Dewey Finn Okay, Miss Dumbum ain't your teacher today, I am. And I have a headache, and the runs.

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The School of Rock

Embracing Musical Fusion in Daily Practice

Freddy Um, are we going to be goofing off like this every day?

Dewey Uh, we're not goofing off, we're creating musical fusion.

Freddy Well, are we going to be creating musical fusion every day?

Dewey Yeah, get used to it.

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The School of Rock

Concern about facial appearance

Dewey Finn Dude, is my face okay? I think you melted it off!

[during end credits; to Zack, with his face contorted, after he performs a "face-melter" on his guitar; laughs]

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

The Burden of Perfection in Leadership

Mullins They hate me.

[about the teachers]

Dewey No, they don't.

Mullins Yes, they do, I can see. I wasn't always like this, you know, I wasn't always wound this tight. There was a time where I was fun. I was funny! I was. But you can't be funny and be the principal of a prep school! No, you cannot. Because when it comes to their kids, these parents have no sense of humor. No. And if something goes wrong, it's my head in the smasher. And these parents will come down on me like a nuclear bomb! I can't make a mistake! I gotta be perfect! And that pressure has turned me into something that I never wanted to be...!

[mouths "a bitch"]

Dewey No, you're not.

Mullins Yes, I am. I am a big one!

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The School of Rock

The Importance of Letting Children Lead

Gabe We were just discussing testing. Which test do you find most effective, the TAAS or the Wilson-Binet?

Dewey I say no testing, and I will tell you why, Joe.

Gabe Gabe.

Dewey Gabe. I believe... that the children are the future. Now listen, you can teach them well, but buddy, you have got to let them lead the way. Let the children's laughter...just remind us of how we used to be. That's what I decided long ago.

Bob Isn't that a song?

[realizes what Dewey just said are some of the lyrics to the song "The Greatest Love of All"]

Dewey No, uh, I don't think so. No, no it isn't.

Bob No? Are you sure?

Dewey Mmm-mmm.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Debate on Discipline Methods in Education

Mullins Mr. Schneebly... This is considered the best elementary school in the state and we maintain that reputation by adhering to a strict code of conduct, faculty included.

Dewey You know what? You don't have to worry about me because I'm a hardass. If a kid gets outta line, I got no problem smacking them in the head.

Mullins No. No, we don't use corporal punishment here.

Dewey Okay, so just... verbal abuse?

Mullins If you have problems with any students, send them to me. I will do the disciplining.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Celebration of Success and Anticipation

Dewey Finn Yes! We did it! Gimme some of that, yeah, that's it. I will see you cats on the flip-flop later!

[watching the clock, waiting for the end of the day]

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The School of Rock

Substitute Teacher's Identity Crisis

Dewey Okay, I don't think I can go in there.

Mullins What's wrong?

Dewey Roz... I'm not a teacher.

Mullins Oh, Ned, a substitute is a teacher.

Dewey No, no, I'm not a teacher. I'm a fraud.

Mullins No! You're not! You're a dedicated, talented teacher, and those parents are gonna love you! Now, just get in there, and tell those parents what you've been teaching their kids.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Embracing Passion and Dignity in Performance

Dewey Finn Now you played hard in here, people, and I am proud of every last stinking one of you. So let's just give this everything we got. We may fall on our faces, but if we do, we will fall with dignity! With a guitar in our hands, and rock in our hearts! And in the words of AC/DC: "We roll tonight to the guitar bite, and for those about to rock, I salute you.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

The School of Rock

Uncovering the Truth About Mr. Schneebly

Eleni So, his name really wasn't Mr. Schneebly?

Freddy Nah, it was, like, Dewey somethin'...

Marco What about the project?

Frankie Wake up, Marco. There was no project.

Zack He just wanted us to play a show so we could make some money.

Summer I can't believe we weren't getting graded on any of this.

Freddy What are you so bummed about? We had a three-week vacation. Yeah, it was a waste of time, but it was a lot better than school.

Lawrence It was not a waste of time.

Freddy Hate to break it to you, bro, but yeah, that's what it was.

Lawrence You're an idiot.

Freddy Hey, shut up!

Lawrence No, you shut up!

Freddy Hey, you wanna go?!

Tomika Hey, if you touch him, I'll shove those sticks down your throat, got it?!

[stands up in Lawrence's defense]

Tomika Mr. S was cool. We worked too long and hard not to play the show!

Freddy Okay, so what are we supposed to do?

Alicia I say we get out of here and play the damn show.

The School of Rock

Realizing Talent in Music Class

Dewey Finn I heard you in music class. You guys can really play. Why didn't anyone tell me?!

[angrily]

The School of Rock

Encouragement Amidst Self-Doubt in Music

Tomika Mr. S, I don't think I can sing.

Dewey What're you talkin about? C'mere.

Dewey Listen, Tomika, what's going on? What do you mean, you can't sing?

Tomika I don't feel good. I feel sick. Just let Alicia and Marta do it.

Dewey No! They can't sing like you can, I need you in the chorus! What is it, are you nervous?

Dewey Yeah? Why? What are you afraid of?

Tomika They're gonna laugh at me.

Dewey What? Why would they laugh at you?

Tomika I dunno. Cause I'm fat?

Dewey Tomika... Hey, you've got something everybody wants: You've got talent, girl! You have an incredible singing voice, and I'm not just saying that. You've heard of Aretha Franklin, right? Okay, she's a big lady. But when she starts singing, she blows people's minds! Everybody wants to party with Aretha! And, uh, you know who else has a weight issue?

Tomika Who?

Dewey Me. But once I get up on stage and start rockin', people worship me! Because I'm sexy! And chubby, man.

Tomika Why aren't you on a diet?

Dewey Because I like to eat. Is that such a crime? Look, you know what? That's not even the point. The thing is, you're a rock star now. All you gotta do is just go out there and rock your heart out. People are gonna dig you, I swear. Let's go out there and show them what we got, what do you say?

The School of Rock

Understanding the Consequences of Alcohol Use

Dewey Okay, Teach. Teach. Teach. Alright, look, here’s the deal. I’ve got a hangover. Who knows what that means?

[to the class on his first day]

Frankie Doesn't that mean you’re drunk?

Dewey No. It means I was drunk yesterday.

Freddy It means you're an alcoholic.

Dewey Wrong.

Freddy You wouldn't come to work unless you were an alcoholic. Dude, you got a disease!

Dewey Mmm-hmm. What's your name?

Freddy Freddy Jones.

Dewey Mmm, Freddy Jones, shut up!

The School of Rock

Naming the Band in Class

Michelle Mr. S? We came up with some names for the band.

Dewey All right, hit me.

Eleni The Bumblebees?

Dewey No, it's too sissy.

Eleni The Koala Bears?

Dewey No! What are you talking about? It's too sissy!

Dewey Hey, Miss Mullins.

Michelle How about, Pig Rectum?

Mullins Michelle!

Dewey It's a science project.

The School of Rock

Introducing a New Class Project: Rock Band

Dewey Now, listen, normal kids would have been stoked to slack off, but not you guys, because you're not normal, you're special. And because I think you guys have the right attitude, I think it's time we started our new class project.

Lawrence A science project?

Dewey No. It's called... "Rock Band".

Marta Is this a school project?

Dewey Yes. And it's a requirement. And it may sound easy, but nothing could be harder. It will test your head , and your mind , and your brain too .

[points to his head; points to his jaw; points to his forehead]

Summer Will other schools be competing?

Dewey You could say that. You could say that every school in the state will be competing for the top prize.

Billy What's the prize?

Dewey A win will go on your permanent record. Hello Harvard, Yo?

The School of Rock

Critique of Teaching and Gym Education

Dewey Finn (variation of ] quote and earlier quoted verbatim in ]) Those who can’t do, teach. And those who can’t teach, teach gym.

[[George Bernard Shaw; [Annie Hall]

The School of Rock

Continuation of Music Class Lecture

Dewey Finn We will continue our lecture on the Man when we return. Have a good music class.

The School of Rock

Teaching Rock 'n' Roll to the World

Dewey Finn The School of Rock. And we shall teach rock ‘n’ roll to the world.

The School of Rock

Music as a Means of Liberation

Dewey Finn Dude, I service society by rocking. I’m out there on the front lines liberating people with my music. Rocking ain’t no walk in the supermarket, lady.

The School of Rock

Discussing Musical Influences in a Rock Band

Dewey Look, the first thing you do when you start a rock band is talk about your influences. That's how you figure out what kind of band to be. So who do you like? Blondie?

Marta Christina Aguilera.

Dewey Who? No! Come on. What? You, Shortstop.

Leonard Puff Daddy.

Dewey Wrong. Billy?

Billy Liza Minnelli?

Dewey What are you...? You guys! This project is called "Rock Band". I'm talking about bands that rock. Led Zeppelin.

Dewey Don't tell me you guys have never got the Led out. Jimmy Page, Robert Plant? Ring any bells? What about Sabbath? AC/DC? Motörhead?! OH, WHAT DO THEY TEACH IN THIS PLACE?!

The School of Rock

Encouragement Amidst Despair in School of Rock

Dewey I totally screwed up. I told the kids that if they practiced, they'd get into the Battle of the Bands.

Coordinator What'd you tell them that for?

Dewey I don't know, I just...I wanted to give them something to look forward to, to keep their spirits up. Look at them.

Dewey They're terminal. Every last one of them. And all they wanted to do before they bit the dust was play Battle of the Bands.

Coordinator What do they all have?

Dewey It’s a... rare blood disease. "Stick-it-to-da-man-neosis".

Coordinator What's that? I've never heard of it.

Dewey You're lucky. Because it's hell.

The School of Rock Quotes