Movies

‘SNL’ host Jack Black mines some fresh energy, and a word gets past the censors

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Despite consistently being present in the limelight, featuring in both live-action and animated films for many years, it has been over a decade since Jack Black last hosted “Saturday Night Live”, with his most recent stint taking place in December 2005.

After a gap of nearly 20 years, it seems that the actor and Tenacious D musician had saved up an abundance of energy for his fourth stint as the host. Making an appearance to publicize “A Minecraft Movie,” the newly minted film adaptation that’s already causing quite a stir, Black demonstrated consistently humor, silliness, and a knack for breaking into song on cue – which he showcased in numerous sketches, and even during his song-and-dance monologue.

In the latest episode featuring Lady Gaga, the sketches and video segments were specifically designed to cater to a Black audience and weren’t just rehashes of previous successful ones. Kenan Thompson, in his roles, was hilarious as an Indiana Jones-like dating show contestant, a World War II era cartoonist whose girlfriend (Heidi Gardner) kisses other men for photos, and a romantic who serenades Sarah Sherman, Bowen Yang, and musical guest Brandi Carlile (all suspended in mid-air) about his first time having sex with them.

Review

‘A Minecraft Movie’ is a block of big dumb fun

Director Jared Hess throws Tater Tots and the characters portrayed by Jack Black and Jason Momoa, who were both competitively awkward, into a massive, trendy video game with a cubist design.

Black not only served as a bandleader at a jam session swamped by an excessive number of bassists, but also participated in a social gathering where everyone was competing to outdo each other, and acted as the first spectator at the initial performance staged way back in ancient Greece. The sketches were more whimsical than typical, yet perfectly aligned with Black’s comedic timing and propensity for taking risks. It is challenging to envision any other host during this season delivering the same over-the-top, manic, and hilarious portrayal as Black did in the “Flaming Hot Preparation H” commercial parody, which was both disgusting and incredibly amusing.

According to this week’s show, it seems like Black might not have to wait another 20 years to add his 5-Timers’ jacket to his collection. During the broadcast, Elton John and Brandi Carlile played “Little Richard’s Bible” and “Who Believes in Angels?” Towards the end, a tribute was shown for Val Kilmer, who previously hosted SNL in 2000 and passed away this week.

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This week’s opening scene showcased President Trump (played by James Austin Johnson) discussing economic matters and jesting about the recent significant stock market declines. He humorously referred to tariffs as “Tariffic Idea,” expressing his enthusiasm for MAGDA, or Make America Great Depression Again. He playfully suggested, “We’ll be the ones eating the cats, the dogs, that’s gonna be so fun. Slow-cook them,” he said. Trump displayed a grand, pricey chart of countries and reciprocal tariffs, and in his rapid-fire speech, he mentioned, “Take me back to God’s country,” a nod to last week’s musical guest Morgan Wallen departing the show early and posting that phrase on Instagram afterward. (The incident was also addressed in “Weekend Update” this week, with Colin Jost commenting that the stock market is losing money faster than Wallen leaving during goodbyes.) Trump was accompanied by Elon Musk (portrayed by Mike Myers) who demonstrated a new Tesla model capable of self-destructive behavior. It can shatter its own headlights, deflate its own tires, and draw AI-generated graffiti of penises, swastikas, or swastikas composed of penises.

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In simpler terms, Black initially disguised the extended gap between his hosting appearances as stress and quitting the show, but it was actually a clever trick to reveal his performance of a revamped “Back in the Saddle” by Aerosmith. He excitedly played this song, moving among the audience, even doing high kicks. Joining him were Gardner, Kenan Thompson, Marcello Hernández, and a seven-member marching band. This lively act served as an exciting start to the show following the rather quiet opening segment.

Best sketch of the night: My Chemical Romance meets a Jamaican getaway

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Initially, the tune appears to be a Jamaica-themed song with Thompson and Ego Nwodim, but it unexpectedly transitions into a narrative about a peculiar goth teenager named Michael Longfellow who’s on vacation. The performers humorously describe him sporting large black jeans and combat boots on the beach, and he seems to dislike the sun while indulging in Magic: The Gathering. The concept is amusing and skillfully executed, but what truly elevates it to excellence is Jack Black donning goth attire and singing a parody of My Chemical Romance’s “The Black Parade.” The appearance of Jack Black adds an astonishingly fitting twist that transforms a decent sketch into a remarkable one.

Also good: Flamin’ Hot kicks it to the extreme

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This commercial fusion of the “Flamin’ Hot”/”Hot Ones” trend, a relentless competition between hot sauces and chip flavors, may not appeal to everyone’s taste. However, merging Chester Cheetah, the Cheetos animated mascot, with an enthusiastic endorser of Flamin’ Hot Preparation H results in a startlingly hilarious escalation that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is cringe-worthy. Poor Chester seems to share our discomfort. While it might not be the epitome of refined humor, it certainly brings on the chuckles.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: Ego Nwodim is going to let you finish that

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In a surprising twist, Hernandez and Jane Wickline reappeared as Grant and Alyssa, the seemingly unlikely duo, while Ego Nwodim stole the show with her bold performance. She incited the live audience to shout an uncensored expletive on television in response to the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin from the White House Correspondents’ dinner. Instead of roasting politicians, Nwodim proposed hosting the event herself, focusing on satirizing the dining experience. She then introduced a stand-up character named Ms. Eggy, known for her puns and discussions about mature topics such as sex after 50. As Colin Jost and Michael Che seemed to be losing control, Nwodim led the audience in completing the phrase “Ms. Eggy don’t…” with the response “play!”. Later, she elicited another response from the audience with “These men ain’t…” and they replied with a word that slipped past the censors. Delighted by the audience’s rebellion, Nwodim playfully warned, “We might get fined for this! Lorne is going to be upset with you all!” Despite Jack Black’s impressive hosting, it was Nwodim who delivered the episode’s most outrageous and memorable moment.

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2025-04-06 10:31

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