The classroom is back in session, and this time, it’s louder, bolder, and more rebellious than ever before. School of Rock 2: Generations of Rock sees Dewey Finn (Jack Black) return to the front of the class, guitar slung over his shoulder and his rockstar swagger intact. But this time, Dewey isn’t just rocking out with a bunch of misfit kids—he’s guiding a new generation, caught in the crossroads of tradition and technology, and ready to show them that the heart of rock and roll can never be replaced.

As Dewey stands proudly in front of his new class, it’s clear that his antics haven’t changed one bit. He’s still as wild and unpredictable as ever, ready to challenge the world and, in the process, teach his students how to rebel through the power of music. His classroom, however, is now filled with a blend of the old and the new—rock posters cover the walls, guitars lean casually against them, but futuristic holograms flicker around the room, hinting at the invasion of corporate technology in the very space where Dewey’s heart lies. It’s the perfect metaphor for what this new generation of rebels is about to face: a world where the past and future collide.

Miranda Cosgrove returns as Summer Hathaway, but she’s no longer the ambitious student; now she’s the music industry exec, balancing her tablet and playlist with the same determination that once made her Dewey’s right-hand woman. She’s a symbol of the professional side of the music world, and yet, her fiery spirit and leadership still shine through, proving that some things never change. Summer brings a fresh, more business-like edge to Dewey’s world, and their dynamic shows how far they’ve come since their days of rocking the classroom together.
Joan Cusack and Mike White also reprise their roles, adding a delightful touch of nostalgia and humor. Joan’s character, still as passionate about education as ever, holds a book on rock ‘n’ roll in the classroom, while Mike carries vinyl records—a reminder of the roots of rock and roll. Their presence reinforces the timelessness of the mission to teach rebellion through music, even as the world around them evolves. It’s clear that while the times have changed, their dedication to the cause has remained unwavering.
The heart of School of Rock 2 lies in the tension between the world of music that Dewey and his crew love and the corporate-driven, tech-obsessed future that threatens to take over. The classroom, once a haven for creative expression, now feels like a battleground between the old-school methods of teaching and the cold, efficient ways of modern technology. It’s a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world, where the spirit of rebellion is constantly being challenged by the pressures of modernity.

This sequel celebrates the essence of what made School of Rock so unforgettable—the joy of teaching through music, the thrill of rebellion, and the undeniable power of rock to inspire change. But it also acknowledges that the world is changing, and that change doesn’t always have to be a threat to what came before. As Dewey, Summer, and the rest of the gang face off against a future they didn’t see coming, the message is clear: the spirit of rock will never die, no matter how much technology and corporate interests try to bury it.
The film isn’t just about music; it’s about the power of education, the role of mentors, and the ability to inspire others to find their own voices. Dewey’s passion for teaching may seem chaotic at times, but it’s the perfect mix of freedom and discipline that allows his students to truly learn. And as the new class comes together to rock out in true School of Rock fashion, you can’t help but feel that same spark of rebellion that made the first movie so special.
School of Rock 2: Generations of Rock is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity. It’s a love letter to the music we grew up with, while also acknowledging that the future holds new opportunities and challenges. Dewey Finn and his gang may be older, but they’re still rocking, still teaching, and still pushing the boundaries of what it means to rebel. The film reminds us that no matter how much the world changes, the heart and soul of rock will always survive.
Get ready for the ultimate reunion of rock, rebellion, and education, as Dewey Finn proves once again that teaching through music is the best way to change the world—one riff at a time.