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Review

Stunningly unambitious and aggressively laid-back, this ramshackle comedy is so likable that it enters the stoner pantheon almost in spite of itself. But first, a little history. For over a decade now, the plugged-in-yet-acoustic duo of Kyle Gass and Jack Black have toed the line between cock-rock parody and actual cock-rockers. Their songs are anthemic and epic, usually concerning their own outsized egos, sexual conquests or battles with legendary figures from Sasquatch to Satan. Like many bands, their rise from cult heroes to cult-heroes-who-sell-out-arenas was spotty, including a failed HBO series and appearances in movies like Bio-Dome. So it makes sense, really, that they would decide to take their legend into their own hands and rewrite the history of Tenacious D... in movie form, of course.

The Pick of Destiny is that film; part stoner road movie, part rock opera, and perfectly in keeping with the rest of Tenacious D's ouevre. It chronicles the youth of both Gass and Black (the latter in a bat-out-of-hell music video, "Kickapoo," starring Meat Loaf as his dad), their tentative first steps together, and their rise to stardom with the help of a demonic guitar pick. The climactic showdown, a rock-off against Satan (longtime D drummer Dave Grohl, in hours worth of makeup), is perfectly fitting and satisfying for fans of the band; if the couplet "Yes you are fucked, shit out of luck / Now I'm complete and my cock you will suck!" does nothing for you, may we suggest you rent Hair instead.

Filled with throwaway gags, endless cameos, and flights of fancy courtesy the loopy director Liam Lynch, the overall effect was underwhelming in the empty movie theatres it played to. But on DVD, a rabid cult is brewing (and baking), one that we suggest you join.

 -- David Gorgos