Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Movie Review: A Tenacious Movie

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny exposes a faithful collision of minds and music from comedians Jack Black and Kyle Gass. They create a stoner comedy leading to the birth of the precedent-shattering band Tenacious D.

This uproarious rock-comedy opera tries to make up in enthusiasm what it lacks in other things. At some point, this movie becomes hard to resist in terms of its dumb comedy. Black and Gass tend to satirize their stupid and amiably clueless loser characters with chemistry and charisma for the audience to really laugh out loud.

As an HBO-born duo, Tenacious D inThe Pick of Destiny brings the inspired moments and misadventures of the cult heroes collectively known as the Tenacious D into the big screen. This stupefying buddy flick features uproarious gags and mock-rock-opera scenes with Black and Gass in search for the fabled Pick of Destiny, and soon proclaim themselves as the "Greatest Band on Earth." The tandem sings their way from abusive childhood experiences to pathetic open-mic gigs to devilishly competitive performing rock stars, enough to capture the spirit and please their fans. It is a weird, quite illogical musical comedy that thrashes with cliches and music video parodies. It sorts a series of comedy sketches assembled into a mainstream narrative. Utterly funny, the two main characters clearly promote a really jolly rock and roll comedy sprinkled with effective one-liners and hilarious sight gags.

Tenacious D is big on spirit but little on script. This is where scriptwriters Black, Gass and Liam Lynch (who is also the director) lose much good turns for the film. Shallow as it is, it's not a movie to exercise brain cell, it's just about the fun of seeing a giddy, eruptive, and laugh-inducing dumb movie. In fact, there isn't enough plot to fill out the entire movie's running time, but it is validating to say that it provides some rude laughs, a bit similar to the comedy of Borat. There is a very good chance that viewers who appreciate punk and stupid antics will enjoy this comedy flick. Though not an entirely polished comedy and lagging on some occasions, this hilarious offer pushes itself forward with its good mix of killer tunes. The combination of classical music including Bach's Prelude in D and Bouree in E Minor or Lute Suite No. 1 (mainly rendered by Gass) and rock music (mainly rendered by Black) are quite impressive. The musical arrangements and lively lyrics further solidify their entertaining performances.

The tarot card presentation is "just okay" given the kind of treatment for the trivial story. However, some of the illustrations become too far-fetched. The movie's alternative ways of presentation generally work. The sequence with Black enjoying the Enchanted Forest of Magical Mushrooms renders some funny superficial moments. Technically, the film falls short with the conspicuous boom mic seen twice on screen for its theatrical screening. Preceding the film after the credits is an unexpected scene utilizing a fun animated spoof of some THX ads that make the audience thoroughly engaged even by the movie's closing credits.

Overweight rock partners Black and Gass play their roles with verve and enthusiasm amidst the fact that they fit none of the typical rock star stereotypes. Black thrives in his comic, over-enthusiastic best. His genially droll partner-in-crime Gass complements his high energy with comic composure. Their characters as two struggling rockers employ good chemistry especially during their seemingly impromptu performances and wacky antics. Troy Gentle as the Lil' JB is equally entertaining as his adult counterpart Jack Black. Exuding the same kind of prodigious talents, he completely looks like and moves around like Black. David Grohl as the rock demon is a bit funny-looking as a devil character. Ben Stiller who is also an executive producer for the movie makes a significant cameo as the guitar store guy.

Tenacious D is The Pick of Destiny is utterly harmless but a little bit pointless. Black and Gass enjoy their dirty little jokes while keeping up with the movie's silly and funny rock-opera sequences. As a genial dumb comedy running on attitude, the soundtrack clearly adds to its rude charm. It may not be ultimately appealing or aesthetically uncompromising, but it does capture that Tenacious D cult following.