Started on HBO and became a legend

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2011)

For those unaware, Tenacious D is a real rock band composed of famed comedy actor Jack Black and his best friend Kyle Gass. The two got their short-lived start on the HBO program of the same name, and now get a film their fans have long been waiting for. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny might not be what you'd expect from Jack Black. After doing Nacho Libre and School of Rock, two films aimed directly at children, some might not be familiar with Black's dark comedic side. But this makes sure you're well aware and not willing to forget anytime soon.
This is a musical comedy. Not quite an in-depth character study on both Black and Gass, but a very vulgar, raunchy, musical comedy with jokes focused around lyrical humor, bongs, and slapsticky elements. Most of them earn a chuckle, but the main humor is the music. Never being properly acquainted to Black and Gass's band, I let myself glide through The Pick of Destiny with no expectations. After the first song, "Kickapoo," was played for the beginning sequence I knew the numbers wouldn't let me down.
The film begins telling the story of how JB (Black) left his strictly religious family to form the greatest rock band on the planet. He runs into street musician KG (Gass) who begs him to join him in his quest and "show him his ways" of music. When he finds out KG was trying to trick him, JB is at first upset, but then believes that since KG needs rent money, they could go around and play at certain clubs and such to pay for it.
It's simplicity itself, but in a good, cute, harmless way. The film is very vulgar, a trait I was not aware of, but am accepting of. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny has a love affair with four letter words, especially in the duo's music which is funny yet very juvenile.
Jack Black and Kyle Gass have likable chemistry throughout the whole special, and nothing ever feels forced. Clearly, this is a stoner film. How is this made clear? Consider a scene where JB and KG need to face the devil, yes, the devil himself in a rock-off to see who is worthy of The Pick of Destiny. This all comes down to one simple question; would this film have been funnier if I had two friends and a bong handy? The band itself has the spunk and tenacity to carry a film. The script not so much. The music is lively, the characters funny, but the situations are hit or miss. From the box office revenue, this reminded me that it isn't easy to be a satanic, vulgar rock band in this day and age.
Starring: Jack Black and Kyle Gass. Directed by: Liam Lynch.