Bold idea, very entertaining. Spectacular music! But it's not for everybody

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 2006)

I am adding this single, top paragraph two weeks after I first wrote and posted my comments here on IMDb. I just found out that 'Tenacious D' is, evidently, Jack Black and Kyle Gass' real band, in biz around LA since 1991. Unless that web-based info is part of an elaborate hoax. If legit, it does explain the virtuosity described below. Just wanted to say, I was not aware of them, nor, therefore, was I a fan, particularly. But to give credit where credit is due, those guys do a marvelous tribute/comedy cover 'review' of the hair band phenomenon. It also explains, to a degree, Black's involvement with 'School of Rock'. Kind of a long way to go to nurse a one-laugh gag, but hey--- this movie did have its bright and stirring moments!
'Tenacious D' is not for everybody. It has some stellar moments, but also some lamer moments. It's a bit uneven. But overall, it is a bold concept movie that works. I was entertained.
Jack Black has by now proved himself to be a pretty funny guy. He's got a charming naive 'chutzpah' that makes him an endearing character, no matter how stupid his on-screen behaviors have been written to be.
The other guy, Kyle Gass, is a new one for me. But his pudgy, middle-aged self was somehow sympathetic for the audience. At first I thought Gass would be a 'Curley Joe'--- the odious actor who was a horrible 3-Stooges replacement, trying to steal the role of the late, great 'real' Jerome 'Curly' Howard. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Gass' resemblance to Curley Joe was merely a superficial resemblance. He pegged the character of the aging loser, who dreams of a rock career, and who is, at the end of the day, a complete 'nobody', perfectly. His character is every comic book store clerk, Dungeons & Dragons master player, and general nerd, geek, and flake stereotype. But you really LIKED the character anyway.
I don't know who did the music for this movie, but it was fantastic. If you love the memories of the 70s and 80s hair bands, you'll find this rendition very skilled. Not mere mimicry, but an amazing set of stylistic creations. They say you have to be a true virtuoso in order to do comedy music--- this movie seems to prove that point. Some real songs were woven in with some excellent new stuff. The writing, and the musicianship, were spectacular.
It's a bit salty, and raunchy--- probably not a good date movie,. unless your date likes a good gross laugh. Intriguing movie--- not perfect, and kind of unique and weird, but that should be a welcome thing in this era when we all like to complain that all movies have become money-obsessed cookie-cutter clones of every other movie. This one is no clone! I gave it an 8 out of 10, with the caution that not everyone will get it, or like it.