Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006) Review

 

Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006)

Pick of Destiny follows JB and Kage as they form Tenacious D and go out in search of the Pick of Destiny in order to...pay their rent?

In their first big screen appearance following their HBO series, Tenacious D shows up and rocks our socks off in this musical comedy that is in some ways, a fictionalized origin story for the power couple. The whole thing feels hilariously ahead of it’s time with intentionally goofy VFX (that was still on par with the era), it’s use of comedic rock that tells a story, and it’s satirization of the buddy-cop genre which was so prominent and often ridiculous in and of itself by that time.

What fuels the film is the energy from JB and Kage and the music they produce, which is what you would get if you plucked Dio out of the 80s. That being said, much of the film hinges on if you’re into Tenacious D and the fantastical jams they put out (how could you not though). We also see guest performances from the likes of Meatloaf, Dave Grohl, and Dio himself, pieces that all add to mystical quality of the film.The plot is admittedly goofy, sending them on a journey to steal the POD from the Rock Hall of Fame, which is Satans tooth, but seeing as how it’s a parody, that can be easily forgiven.

The cast features a litany of Mr. Show (which helped put Black on the map) and SNL alums, including JR Reed, Dave Grohl, Kyle Gass, and Jack Black. The dynamic duo of Gass and Black work so well when it comes to music and on screen, their big personalities come to life even more, giving the film a ton of heart and soul. Grohl as Satan is also a hilarious bit that is metal as hell, literally.

The Pick of Destiny is a hell of a musical that serves as a visual album to one of Tenacious D’s best and funniest albums to date, also serving as a great introduction to those unfamiliar with the D. It offers a great look at their style and sound, while giving us a fun story that is as fantastical as it is stupidly entertaining.

8/10