Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny released from Shout! Factory on February 13th, 2024.
Jack Black is among my favorite comedic leading men. The first film I ever reviewed was School of Rock for my high school newspaper. His physical delivery is unmatched, and he’s able to make nearly every character, no matter how absurd, feel relatable and approachable. Despite my adoration for the man, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny had evaded me for eighteen long years. Now, thanks to the fine folks at Shout! Factory, that’s all changed.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny Critique
Also Read: Shout! Factory: Shaw Brothers Classics Vol. 4 Review
I was twenty-years-old when Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny released to theaters. That’s seemingly the perfect age for an R-rated comedy comprised of utter silliness and rock-and-roll. Still, something about the trailer was off-putting enough for me to avoid the film for nearly two-decades. I specifically recall seeing the imagery of Jack Black dressed as a bigfoot with a psychedelic backdrop and making up my mind that the film just wasn’t for me.
All these years later, as a man in his late-thirties, I finally sat down to watch the movie that I always knew existed, but never sought out. And you know what? I laughed pretty dang hard from start to finish. Both Jack Black and Kyle Gass play fictional versions of themselves. They make-up the real life rock-duo of Tenacious D, blending their comedic genius with their musical talents. Films like The Blues Brothers and This is Spinal Tap have proven that rock music and comedy make a great pairing, and the influence of those films are clearly visible here. An extended car chase sequence acts as a clear homage to The Blues Brothers, and a gang of white-clad trouble-makers appear as an unexpected wink to fans of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.
While Black and Gass’ comedic chemistry carries the increasingly absurd humor to new heights, comedy legends round out the supporting cast cameos and bit parts. It’s Ben Stiller as an employee of Guitar Center who sends the duo on their quest for the legendary Pick of Destiny, and John C. Reilly makes an appearance as friendly sasquatch. However, the best cameo doesn’t even come from a comedian, but from rock-icon Meatloaf playing the role of a young Jack Black’s father. W
The Special Features
The Shout! Factory release comes with an audio commentary track from stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass, as well as one from director Liam Lynch. There’s deleted scenes and featurettes giving insight to how the comedy film came to be. To top it off there’s the original trailer, a music video and “home movies.” The more Jack Black… the better.
Would I Recommend This Purchase? Yes! It’s hysterical with great music.
Is It Worth a Blind Buy? If you’re a fan of Jack Black, it’s absolutely worth a blind purchase.
7/10
Follow us for more entertainment coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
