Rolling Stone magazine celebrated the 20th anniversary of “School of Rock” with a new oral history in which many of the child actors from the Richard Linklater hit film opened up on the tough years they faced after the film’s blockbuster release. The Jack Black-led comedy was a box office hit in 2003 with $131 million worldwide, and it’s widely considered a bonafide comedy classic. Imagine going from Hollywood sensation back to high-school or middle-school teen. That was the reality for many of the “School of Rock” cast.
“It was tough. I came back to school, and I was like a three-headed freak, basically,” said Joey Gaydos Jr., who played lead guitarist Zack “Zack-Attack” Mooneyham in the film. “I came back with all this culture in my brain to a pretty one-horse town outside of Detroit. And I was looked at like a complete weirdo, and that was hard.
“It was tough. I came back to school, and I was like a three-headed freak, basically,” said Joey Gaydos Jr., who played lead guitarist Zack “Zack-Attack” Mooneyham in the film. “I came back with all this culture in my brain to a pretty one-horse town outside of Detroit. And I was looked at like a complete weirdo, and that was hard.
- 9/28/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
It was 20 years ago this month that Jack Black put on a bow tie, walked into a prep school, and told a bunch of fourth graders to get the Led out. His star turn as the lovable loser in Richard Linklater’s School of Rock helped the film gross nearly $20 million when it opened, breaking the record for music-themed comedies at the time. Over the years, it’s inspired a hit Broadway musical, a TV show, and a children’s book, and helped popularize actual School of Rock programs for...
- 9/28/2023
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Pure, unalloyed joy is harder to find in movies than you’d think. Heck, look at our big list of the best feelgood films ever_, which is re-released this week to celebrate its 20th birthday.
After weeks of increasingly elaborate deceptions and the kind of security operation the Stasi would be proud of, Jack Black’s Dewey Finn – the artist formerly known as Ned Schneebly (and even more formerly Schneeeebly) – has secretly used his fraudulent stint as a supply teacher to turn a gang of precocious-but-square kids into a crack team of rock ‘n’ roll delinquents. They’re discovered and Dewey goes back to being burnout loser Dewey – but the kids he’s fired up with a healthy disrespect for anyone over the age of 30 won’t let him drop out like that. They bundle him onto their bus, dash to the gig, and just about make their slot.
It helps that,...
After weeks of increasingly elaborate deceptions and the kind of security operation the Stasi would be proud of, Jack Black’s Dewey Finn – the artist formerly known as Ned Schneebly (and even more formerly Schneeeebly) – has secretly used his fraudulent stint as a supply teacher to turn a gang of precocious-but-square kids into a crack team of rock ‘n’ roll delinquents. They’re discovered and Dewey goes back to being burnout loser Dewey – but the kids he’s fired up with a healthy disrespect for anyone over the age of 30 won’t let him drop out like that. They bundle him onto their bus, dash to the gig, and just about make their slot.
It helps that,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Tom Nicholson
- Empire - Movies
They don’t need no education, but they may head back to the classroom anyway, as Jack Black has assured fans that there will be a School of Rock reunion this year to celebrate the movie’s 20th anniversary.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Black said this was as good a time as any to have a School of Rock reunion. “All those kids–dig this–they were 10 years old when we made that movie and now they’re all, like, 30…We’re gonna get together and have a 20-year anniversary. We like to jam. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the grownups from School of Rock.” Of note, there was also a 10-year reunion a decade ago that featured the cast attending a screening and even taking the stage to perform a few numbers.
A School of Rock reunion would certainly be deserved, as the movie has endured solidly for two decades,...
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Black said this was as good a time as any to have a School of Rock reunion. “All those kids–dig this–they were 10 years old when we made that movie and now they’re all, like, 30…We’re gonna get together and have a 20-year anniversary. We like to jam. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the grownups from School of Rock.” Of note, there was also a 10-year reunion a decade ago that featured the cast attending a screening and even taking the stage to perform a few numbers.
A School of Rock reunion would certainly be deserved, as the movie has endured solidly for two decades,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Joey Gaydos Jr., who played lead guitarist Zack “Zack Attack” Mooneyham in Jack Black’s “School of Rock” band, was arrested by Florida police for stealing guitars and an amp over the past five weeks.
The 28-year-old former child actor faces open theft and shoplifting cases in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, according to NBC News.
On Jan. 31, a store owner allowed Gaydos to play an $800 Les Paul Epiphone Prophecy. After a few minutes, however, he ran out of the store with the guitar without having paid for it, according to a Sarasota County probable cause affidavit obtained by Variety.
Security video footage from Troll Music in Venice on Feb. 7 shows Gaydos strolling around the store playing a guitar before the theft.
The Venice Police department tweeted, “Come On! When will thieves learn that almost all establishments have cameras? This sticky-fingered bandit made off with a guitar while the employee was distracted.
The 28-year-old former child actor faces open theft and shoplifting cases in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, according to NBC News.
On Jan. 31, a store owner allowed Gaydos to play an $800 Les Paul Epiphone Prophecy. After a few minutes, however, he ran out of the store with the guitar without having paid for it, according to a Sarasota County probable cause affidavit obtained by Variety.
Security video footage from Troll Music in Venice on Feb. 7 shows Gaydos strolling around the store playing a guitar before the theft.
The Venice Police department tweeted, “Come On! When will thieves learn that almost all establishments have cameras? This sticky-fingered bandit made off with a guitar while the employee was distracted.
- 3/6/2019
- by Daniel Nissen
- Variety Film + TV
Remember that amazing child Zack, who was the lead guitarist from School of Rock? Well, it seems like the actor who played the role in the 2003 film with Jack Black has found himself in some legal trouble. According to TMZ, the whole situation surrounding Joey Gaydos Jr has been building since early February. Around the time, surveillance footage of the actor reportedly showed him playing a Buddy Guy model Fender Strat guitar at a music store before casually walking out the door with the musical instrument without paying. The incident is said to have put all local stores on […]
The post School of Rock child actor Joey Gaydos Jr. arrested for stealing guitars and amps appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post School of Rock child actor Joey Gaydos Jr. arrested for stealing guitars and amps appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 3/6/2019
- by John Dotson
- Monsters and Critics
"School of Rock" star Joey Gaydos Jr.'s alleged crime spree hit close to home, quite literally, because cops say he even stole from his father. TMZ broke the story, Joey -- who played lead guitarist Zack in Jack Black's classic flick -- was busted 4 times in the last 5 weeks for stealing guitars and amplifiers, and he's facing felonies for larceny and grand theft. But, we've now learned 2 amps he allegedly jacked belonged to his pops.
- 3/6/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
11:43 Am -- Police were onto Joey's sticky fingers in early February because they released security footage to the public ... showing him swipe a Buddy Guy model Fender Strat guitar. You can see Joey holding the guitar and casually strumming the guitar before allegedly making his way out the door February 7 at Troll Music store. After police released the footage, local music store owners were now on high alert. Then, on February 11, Joey hit up...
- 3/5/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
It's been 10 years since Jack Black assembled a group of prep school kids into a kick-ass rock 'n roll band in "School of Rock." To celebrate, Black and several of the film's children -- now all grown up -- played a reunion concert. And there's video, albeit brief. See video: Bill Murray Destroys 'Late Show' Set on 20th Anniversary Miranda Cosgrove (Summer), Joey Gaydos Jr. (Zack), Robert Tsai (Lawrence), Kevin Alexander Clark (Freddie) and Rebecca Brown (Katie) joined their one-time fictional teacher on stage. Director Richard Linklater and writer/co-star Mike White were also in attendance. Technically, the 10th anniversary...
- 8/30/2013
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Music class is back in session! Ten years after The School of Rock hit theaters in 2003, Jack Black and the rest of his young cast reunited in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 29. Miranda Cosgrove, 20, who first broke out in the comedy musical and later moved on to Disney's iCarly in 2007, posted a reunion photo via Instagram while the cast attended an anniversary event for the film. Black, 44, was joined by 17 co-stars, including Jordan-Claire Green, Joey Gaydos Jr., Robert Tsai, Kevin Alexander Clark, [...]...
- 8/30/2013
- Us Weekly
It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since Jack Black rounded up a group of kids from a prep school to form the School of Rock. The comedy is actually one of my favorite films from 2003, and it's certainly one of Black's best performances of the past decade, and likely his entire career. Well, Black and many of the kids from the film, including Miranda Cosgrove (Summer), Joey Gaydos Jr. (Zack), Robert Tsai (Lawrence), Kevin Alexander Clark (Freddie) and Rebecca Brown (Katie) recently had a 10-year anniversary reunion concert, and director Richard Linklater and writer/co-star Mike White were also in attendance. There's one short video and some photos of the kids from the cast all grown up below. Look! Here's a photo of nearly the entire cast of School of Rock from EW: Here's a video and photos from Instagram courtesy of Miranda Cosgrove and Gibson Texas...
- 8/30/2013
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
“Now raise your goblet of rock. It’s a toast to those who rock!” Last night the Austin Film Society hosted a 10th anniversary screening of Richard Linklater’s hard-rocking crowd pleaser School of Rock. Mr. Schneee S.’s whole class came to party, from now heavy weight Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove to Robert Tsai (“You’re a fat loser and you have body odor”) to the back-up singers (Maryam Hassan, Caitlin Hale, Aleisha Allen). Jack Black held court during the terrifically freewheeling Q&A after the screening. When a fan asked him for a song, Black broke into an...
- 8/30/2013
- by Karen Valby
- EW - Inside Movies
School Of Rock actor Joey Gaydos has apologised to fans after he was arrested for driving under the influence before he is even old enough to drink.
The 17-year-old - who played comedian Jack Black's student guitarist in the 2003 comedy - was pulled over by cops in Michigan last month after allegedly attempting to drive away from a fast food restaurant while intoxicated.
The star, who fronts a band called The Joey Gaydos Group, tells TMZ.com, "The first thing I would like to say is, I made a huge mistake, and I really regret my actions. What I did was wrong, and all I can say is, I'm sorry to anyone I may have let down, I'm only human, and we all make mistakes.
"To everyone who has supported me through this I would like to say, thank you, it really means a lot."...
The 17-year-old - who played comedian Jack Black's student guitarist in the 2003 comedy - was pulled over by cops in Michigan last month after allegedly attempting to drive away from a fast food restaurant while intoxicated.
The star, who fronts a band called The Joey Gaydos Group, tells TMZ.com, "The first thing I would like to say is, I made a huge mistake, and I really regret my actions. What I did was wrong, and all I can say is, I'm sorry to anyone I may have let down, I'm only human, and we all make mistakes.
"To everyone who has supported me through this I would like to say, thank you, it really means a lot."...
- 3/9/2009
- WENN
School Of Rock actor Joey Gaydos has been arrested for driving under the influence - before he is old enough to drink.
The 17-year-old - who played comedian Jack Black's student guitarist in the 2003 comedy - was pulled over by cops in Michigan last month.
The star, who fronts a band called The Joey Gaydos Group, was allegedly attempting to drive away from a fast food restaurant while intoxicated, reports TMZ.com.
The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21.
The 17-year-old - who played comedian Jack Black's student guitarist in the 2003 comedy - was pulled over by cops in Michigan last month.
The star, who fronts a band called The Joey Gaydos Group, was allegedly attempting to drive away from a fast food restaurant while intoxicated, reports TMZ.com.
The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21.
- 3/4/2009
- WENN
Screened
Toronto International Film Festival
"The School of Rock" rocks. This audience-pleaser comes from writer Mike White and director Richard Linklater, names usually associated with independent filmmaking. For that matter, the moviemakers have fun with their own filmography as the movie does comic riffs on the world of slackers, disaffected outsiders and other anti-Establishment types. White and Linklater team up with actor-musician Jack Black to create a high-energy comedy that takes its hero seriously when he declares, "I serve society by rocking!" Paramount has a winner in this Scott Rudin production.
"The School of Rock" gets going slowly as the film's first 20 minutes let Black go over the top to establish his slacker credentials. A hapless and aging rocker with no record deal or even next month's rent to show for years devoted to rock 'n' roll, Black's Dewey Finn is in a bad way. On the same day, he gets fired from his own band and receives a none-too-subtle eviction notice from roommate Ned White), egged on by Ned's exasperated girlfriend, Patty (Sarah Silverman).
Desperate to earn some bread, Dewey pretends to be Ned, who works as a substitute schoolteacher. Dewey takes a job for several weeks at a snooty private elementary school run by anal principal Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack). Dewey is content to institute daylong recess until he hears his youngsters play in orchestra class. Impulsively, he decides to mold these musical prodigies into a rock band. He junks the curriculum in favor of rock history, rock music appreciation and a pledge of allegiance that gives him "creative control" of the band.
Watching Black's deadbeat rocker teach a class of uniformed, rigidly disciplined youngsters how to adopt nonconformist, antisocial attitudes proves a rich source of comedy. Watching Dewey teach the theory and practice of rock, we realize this guy really does have an instinct for teaching -- as long as the subject inspires his passion. Soon his kids start acting like kids, not miniature adults, and Dewey dons the mantle of adult responsibility for the first time.
The filmmakers threw out a wide casting net to snare talented young musicians and singers to play the preteens in Dewey's high-voltage rock band, kids who can musically "kick ass" and "melt some faces." The young performers all prove up to their acting chores as well. They create forceful personalities, ranging from Joey Gaydos Jr.'s Zack, who really loosens up to get into the physicality of being a lead guitar player, to Maryam Hassan's Tomika, whose rich voice helps her overcome shyness and insecurity, and Miranda Cosgrove's Summer, the band's manager, who switches from books on geometry to those dealing with the economics of music and the career of David Geffen.
The film hits another comic mother lode in the byplay between Black and Cusack when he persuades her to agree to a class "field trip" by playing her favorite rock music in a grunge tavern.
Where this is all headed is imminently predictable, but getting there is no less fun. The climatic debut of the school band, which the youngsters name the School of Rock, is the film's highlight. Black's own rock talents contribute to the socko finish.
Good rock music runs throughout the movie. Some songs were written by Black and White. (Hey, that's a catchy name for a songwriting duo.) The New York band Mooney Suzuki wrote the fictional band's signature song, "School of Rock".
Shot in New York and New Jersey, "The School of Rock" benefits from Rogier Stoffers' fluid cinematography, Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer's theatrical lighting design for the final number and Karen Patch's amusing costumes that transform school uniforms into outlaw garb.
THE SCHOOL OF ROCK
Paramount Pictures
A Scott Rudin production
Credits:
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenwriter: Mike White
Producer: Scott Rudin
Executive producers: Steve Nicolaides, Scott Aversano
Director of photography: Rogier Stoffers
Production designer: Jeremy Conway
Music: Craig Wedren
Costume designer: Karen Patch
Editor: Sandra Adair
Cast:
Dewey Finn: Jack Black
Rosalie Mullins: Joan Cusack
Ned Schneebly: Mike White
Patty: Sarah Silverman
Zack: Joey Gaydos Jr.
Tomika: Maryam Hassan
Freddy: Kevin Clark
Katie: Rebecca Brown
Lawrence: Robert Tsai
Running time -- 108 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Toronto International Film Festival
"The School of Rock" rocks. This audience-pleaser comes from writer Mike White and director Richard Linklater, names usually associated with independent filmmaking. For that matter, the moviemakers have fun with their own filmography as the movie does comic riffs on the world of slackers, disaffected outsiders and other anti-Establishment types. White and Linklater team up with actor-musician Jack Black to create a high-energy comedy that takes its hero seriously when he declares, "I serve society by rocking!" Paramount has a winner in this Scott Rudin production.
"The School of Rock" gets going slowly as the film's first 20 minutes let Black go over the top to establish his slacker credentials. A hapless and aging rocker with no record deal or even next month's rent to show for years devoted to rock 'n' roll, Black's Dewey Finn is in a bad way. On the same day, he gets fired from his own band and receives a none-too-subtle eviction notice from roommate Ned White), egged on by Ned's exasperated girlfriend, Patty (Sarah Silverman).
Desperate to earn some bread, Dewey pretends to be Ned, who works as a substitute schoolteacher. Dewey takes a job for several weeks at a snooty private elementary school run by anal principal Rosalie Mullins (Joan Cusack). Dewey is content to institute daylong recess until he hears his youngsters play in orchestra class. Impulsively, he decides to mold these musical prodigies into a rock band. He junks the curriculum in favor of rock history, rock music appreciation and a pledge of allegiance that gives him "creative control" of the band.
Watching Black's deadbeat rocker teach a class of uniformed, rigidly disciplined youngsters how to adopt nonconformist, antisocial attitudes proves a rich source of comedy. Watching Dewey teach the theory and practice of rock, we realize this guy really does have an instinct for teaching -- as long as the subject inspires his passion. Soon his kids start acting like kids, not miniature adults, and Dewey dons the mantle of adult responsibility for the first time.
The filmmakers threw out a wide casting net to snare talented young musicians and singers to play the preteens in Dewey's high-voltage rock band, kids who can musically "kick ass" and "melt some faces." The young performers all prove up to their acting chores as well. They create forceful personalities, ranging from Joey Gaydos Jr.'s Zack, who really loosens up to get into the physicality of being a lead guitar player, to Maryam Hassan's Tomika, whose rich voice helps her overcome shyness and insecurity, and Miranda Cosgrove's Summer, the band's manager, who switches from books on geometry to those dealing with the economics of music and the career of David Geffen.
The film hits another comic mother lode in the byplay between Black and Cusack when he persuades her to agree to a class "field trip" by playing her favorite rock music in a grunge tavern.
Where this is all headed is imminently predictable, but getting there is no less fun. The climatic debut of the school band, which the youngsters name the School of Rock, is the film's highlight. Black's own rock talents contribute to the socko finish.
Good rock music runs throughout the movie. Some songs were written by Black and White. (Hey, that's a catchy name for a songwriting duo.) The New York band Mooney Suzuki wrote the fictional band's signature song, "School of Rock".
Shot in New York and New Jersey, "The School of Rock" benefits from Rogier Stoffers' fluid cinematography, Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer's theatrical lighting design for the final number and Karen Patch's amusing costumes that transform school uniforms into outlaw garb.
THE SCHOOL OF ROCK
Paramount Pictures
A Scott Rudin production
Credits:
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenwriter: Mike White
Producer: Scott Rudin
Executive producers: Steve Nicolaides, Scott Aversano
Director of photography: Rogier Stoffers
Production designer: Jeremy Conway
Music: Craig Wedren
Costume designer: Karen Patch
Editor: Sandra Adair
Cast:
Dewey Finn: Jack Black
Rosalie Mullins: Joan Cusack
Ned Schneebly: Mike White
Patty: Sarah Silverman
Zack: Joey Gaydos Jr.
Tomika: Maryam Hassan
Freddy: Kevin Clark
Katie: Rebecca Brown
Lawrence: Robert Tsai
Running time -- 108 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 10/23/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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