School of Rock

I finally sold my guitar on Craigslist the same day I finally saw “School of Rock” (2003). I don’t know if that’s ironic or just a coincidence. I also don’t know if “School of Rock” is good because of, or in spite of, Jack Black. His spazzy histrionics are a tiring distraction. However, his background as an actual musician provided authenticity in a way that a Chris Farley couldn’t have been able to 10 years earlier or a Zach Galifianakis wouldn’t be able to 10 years later. It’s the starring role Black was born to play. Probably the only one.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

I like to eat Little Debbie snack cakes while I watch DVDs. Technically, they are food, but have such little nutritional value, I probably edge closer to death every time I eat one. But they taste sooooo good. Pop music is kind of like that, too – so lacking in artistic value, it probably damages your brain by listening to it. But the beats are sooooo catchy. Now envision an absolutely stupid movie about an absolutely stupid popstar who sings absolutely stupid songs. It’s titled “Popstar” (2016) because of course it is. But damn them if I didn’t laugh out loud.

There’s Something About Mary

“There’s Something About Mary” helped launch the modern era of bro-humor comedies (“Hot Tub Time Machine,” “The Hangover,” Seth Rogen’s entire career). In 1998, mining humor from the mentally retarded, catching your scrotum in your zipper and mistaking semen for hair gel was somewhat taboo. Now you see all that and more in the trailer for a Will Farrell flick. But “Mary” deserves credit for shock-humor originality. Cameron Diaz nails her part. And admit it, some scenes are a hoot (franks and beans; the serial killer sequence; Ben Stiller mispronouncing Brett Favre’s name). Plus, the minstrel/soundtrack is prominent and excellent.