Duo\’s \’destiny\’ doesn\’t impress

Maybe it was because everyone else in the audience was under the influence, but the people that filled the theater to see “Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny” seemed to be laughing and enjoying the movie more than I did.

Jack Black has steadily delivered laughs in the past few years, and it seemed like “Pick of Destiny” would be the same.

“School of Rock” and “Shallow Hal” were hilarious. Not to mention the fact that his band, Tenacious D, turns out silly ditties about being the best band in the world and other chuckle-worthy tunes.

But unlike past comedies, “Pick of Destiny” is composed of many amusing ideas that don’t deliver as a whole.

The lyrics, “A long-ass time ago in a town called Kickapoo,” start out the movie. It is in Kickapoo where the audience discovers a young Black stifled by strict parents who don’t understand his love for rock music.

Black sings a song about how “rock is not the devil’s work, it’s magical and rad,” which he is grounded for. While sitting in his room, a classic rock poster comes to life and tells him to escape to Hollywood.

Many years pass during his journey, as Black looks about 25 years older when he finally reaches Venice Beach. There, he stumbles upon Kyle Gass, a man whom he considers a musical genius.

After many scenes of the two smoking marijuana and perfecting the art of being a rock star, the movie finally gets to the plot. Black and Gass plan to travel to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and steal the (guitar) pick of destiny.

This isn’t just any pick. It’s a pick made from Satan’s tooth during medieval times. Apparently, it’s the reason why all the great rockers of our time and the past are such “gnarly shredders.”

There are a few cameos that help keep your attention. Ben Stiller plays a record salesman, Dave Grohl plays Satan and Tim Robbins plays a scary vagrant who has been after the pick for long enough to lose his legs in the plight. Meat Loaf plays Black’s father, but is barely around long enough for the opening credits to roll.

Meat Loaf recently described his character as a “religious zealot who is a control freak.” Meat Loaf said he didn’t enjoy the role particularly, but that he has had to play characters who he doesn’t have the utmost respect for before.

One character he did enjoy was the actor who plays little JB.

“The little boy is hysterical,” Meat Loaf said. “When he comes out and does his Kickapoo song, it’s pretty funny. His reaction to when I am going to spank him is pretty funny, too.”

Like all hokey comedies, the quest turns out to be about much more than just a guitar pick. It’s too bad the final product isn’t quite funny enough.

Movie: Tenacious D in: The Pick of DestinyDirector: Liam LynchStarring: Jack Black and Kyle GassGenre: ComedyRating: RRelease Date: WednesdayGrade: C