I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

This could have been very interesting but the film maker wanted to talk about "the characters" in the school and the school director (who comes off as a 40 y.o. peter pan with ADD and a foul temper) rather than the obviously hard working and gifted musicians that make up the "star group" of the school. That is a pity because they could have had for once a documentary about kids finding their way rather than losing themselves but the filmmaker went rather with the caricatural: -the genius overachiever (the good) -there's the tortured teenager (the bad) -the 9 year old twins who would not know what a beat (or singing in tune) is if it came up and hit them in the head (the comic relief) -the school director who spends his time screaming and berating these kids like it's boot camp time in full metal jacket (bare in mind these kids are between the ages of 9 and 17)- (the ugly) - Even after their triumph at the Zappa fest you don't see him once high five a kid or give him or her a compliment. Mind you that might be on purpose: You get the feeling that the filmmaker had a rather set agenda and wanted the characters to be seen in a manichaean fashion. There is a lot of editing. Overall not worth the watch unless you want to spend your time reading between the lines.

I'm a bit late seeing this, but after seeing that Paul Green jerk I just had to vent my spleen. What an ARSEHOLE! He was obviously only teaching the school to sate his gargantuan ego, to feel superior to 9-year-olds about musical talent, and to dump on kids who deserve better. This guy needs to be banned from teaching ANYONE, if he insists on screaming abuse at kids who want to learn to play an instrument. Paul, go start a cult in Oregon, and when it's time for the Kool-aid, make sure you are first in line at the punch-bowl, you low-life. I actually liked watching this film, despite being appalled at the big baby teacher who felt so important that he put down depressive teenagers to elevate himself above them. What a sad little man he is.

This was a well made Film. Nice editing work. The subject matter was interesting - with lotsa' "colorful" characters - However - it was really really sad to hear all these kids talk about being a "Rock Star"...as if that's what Rock music has come down to. All the kids are pretty rotten musicians - they seem more interested in being famous rather than writing good songs...and the Teach doesn't help either - he's more interested in being a "famous" teacher than actually inspiring the kids to follow their own muse and create their own thing. With a lot of practice these kids will grow up to be good Wedding Band/Bar Band Musicians - but that's about it. I guess kids who are truly interested in making music wouldn't join a school for it anyhow - so no harm done ... and it is pretty funny watching the kids butcher and mimic classic rock. You can't teach passion, and you can't learn creativity - but it can be encouraged - and it doesn't seem like this Rock School is a good place for that. Then again it's better than nothing at all.

Rock school (more like a platform for a frank Zappa fan). not much rock other than Zappa. I love Zappa don't mistake it. I saw the film over a month ago so I don't recall the teachers name, however I think he is a idiot, i have to give him credit for being different...and sharing his love of music with kids but its outbursts seamed like a mimic of the classic "rock" artist. rebel, outcast, temper...the guys not on the road with frank Zappa, hes teaching music to kids. tough love works yes, but not in every case. I have been playing guitar for thirteen years, and as a guitar player I am sensitive, had a teacher treated me like that I would have whacked him upside the head with my guitar. Anyway There is a part where the ass**** teacher is playing a blues type jam, and had said he hates it when a student is better then him, well it seams that is easy cause he sucks, he had no licks, no soul and no vibrato...then the film seams to play him up as the "mentor" when your ear can tell you he blows.... what grounds then does he have for yelling at the kids, when his own playing fails to impress..The one kid I hope keeps rocking is the 12 year old who at the end plays a amazing solo, kids got it....(teacher don't) thats all oh yeah, most adults who act like the butt monkey teacher end up profiled as weird........aside from the yelling I act the same way its fine, however I play a meaner blues and I am not as much of a honker as said butt monkey....Ps I know my grammar sucks, then again this is not about me........Peace movie fans M.Run