The story is incredibly simple, but the filmmakers knew it, had fun with it, and use it as a strength to keep the audience laughing. As a result, there are several moments where the film makes fun of storytelling without being self-aware or taking the audience out of the experience. Plus, like a decently-made turkey served with delicious stuffing and gravy, the incredible supporting characters and clever dialog act to dress a simple storyline in a fancy tuxedo. Mixed metaphors aside, the movie will surprise at every turn.
Joining the fun are Ben Stiller as a crazed Guitar Center employee who clues our heroes in on the pick’s history, Paul F. Tompkins as the constantly unimpressed open mic host, and Tim Robbins who shines as a creepy stranger that wants the pick for himself. All three slide seamlessly into the plot and join the comic conversation between JB and KG like comedy ships passing in the night. The chemistry between Black and Gass is effortless, but it’s actually elevated when they share the screen with their cameo counterparts.
Liam Lynch directed this film with consummate skill, letting the D be who they are while marking the movie as his own. Above all else, The Pick of Destiny invites the audience into the party of the year and makes them feel like they’re part of the world that flashes on the screen. That, after all, is what successful movies are meant to accomplish, and Tenacious D does it with style, innovation, and Dave Grohl in a Satan costume.
Release Date: November 22, 2006
The Upside: Laughing that hard is a great calorie burner.
The Downside: The reviews on this will probably be a mix of As and Fs. It’s either love or hate for the D, and movie-goers won’t be able to know which side they’re on until they pay their ten bucks for a seat.
On the Side: Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters reprises his role as Satan from the music video for the song “Tribute”.
Final Grade: A
Cole Abaius is a Staff Critic for Film School Rejects.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Great review. I must see this film!
2 - tink
Can't wait to see Jables and KG on the big screen...this review just fueled the fire.
3 - E.D. Jones
I've never seen these people on TV, but the film sounds like one of Kevin Smith's indie films (like Dogma, which never fails to crack me up).
4 - Neil
E.D. - I'm not sure how this relates to Kevin Smith?
Care to explain further?
5 - Bob
This movie was so much better than that overrated Borat when it came out.
Pick of Destiny is an amazing...ly good movie.
6 - hh
i think this movie was wicked please do more of them expsecialy deactivating the lasers with cock
7 - hh
please please jack will you come to nottingham to do a rock concert and please have places for vips