I’m probably way behind the curve here — I usually am (why do you think my

NRODT column is called “The Straggler”?) — but I have just discovered Jack

Black. The guy is funny.

This happened last weekend. Mom took Nellie (11) to the store to get a

family movie we could watch. There was a mix-up, and Nellie came home with

School of Rock . Well, when they got

home with it, Mom expressed surprise — she thought they’d chosen something

else, and Dad pronounced it Not Suitable. Rituals of pleading and

beseeching then took place, with some taking of oaths and promises of

reform. Dad buckled, and we watched the thing. It was funny. I’m not sure

why — the story is totally implausible, but somehow Jack carried it off. I

never heard of this guy before. He’s GOOD. Even funnier in the

supplementary material than in the movie — always a good sign. Thanks,

Jack.