The Pick of Destiny (2006)

 

There weren't a lot of people who thought a full blown movie starring the (pretty awesome) parody band Tenacious D would be a good idea. I mean: how do you create a coherent narrative about two stoners who play music with hilarious lyrics? But what do you know: they actually pulled it off. 

Sure, not everyone is going to be charmed by the sometimes rather coarse humour, the swearing and the fact that this is a musical, but you can't charm everyone.

Nor why would you want to?

JB (Jack Black, obviously) leaves home because he really wants to rock. He is also gifted with a great voice, but lacks some of the chops to be a truly excellent guitar player. He then comes across Kyle Gass, a ridiculously good guitarist (he actually is) and eventually they fully team up to form Tenacious D. They want to reach ultimate heights, but they have no idea how to do it. Then they discover that all the guitar greats have one thing in common: they all used the same guitar pick. 

So now the hunt is on to get that pick and subsequently become rock stars and rock harder than anyone ever rocked. Through a truly epic road trip, with some bumps along the way, the head into the Rock 'n' Roll Museum to steal the pick, but they are beset on all sides by nefarious characters.

Well, maybe just Tim Robbins in a hilarious cameo. 

Oh, and eventually they have to face off against Satan himself. 

Who is played by Dave Grohl. 

Still here, ey?

Like stated at the beginning: this film won't be for everyone. It really depends on how high your tolerance is for Jack Black, crude jokes and musical numbers. But if you are in fact open to said items, then you're going to have a blast. First off, the film is genuinely funny. Sure, some jokes are crass and some are pure stoner, but the back-and-forth between Jack and Kyle is great and you can tell these guys are friends in real life. 

Then there are the side characters who are all memorable, with bonus points for both Tim Robbins and Ben Stiller. Robbins for being completely off kilter and Stiller for being absolutely sidesplitting and recognizable as one of those weathered old roadie types. 

And last but not least: the music kicks all kinds of backside. 

No really: the songs are really, really good. The soundtrack to this one is earcandy. 

Rock operas aren't made that often anymore, but this one is one you should see at least once. And if you like it: see it some more.