Jack Black Delivers A High Energy Performance On ‘SNL' After 20 Years
It has been 20 years since Black hosted; however, he brought an infectious energy to the show, which may lead some to ask, "Why such a big gap?'
It is good that James Austin Johnson's Donald Trump impression is so good because the show tends to lean on it for its Cold Opens. In this iteration, Trump gives a speech about tariffs. He is joined by Andrew Dismukes as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Mike Myers as Elon Musk. Johnson also slips in a jab at last week's musical guest, Morgan Wallen, by saying, 'Get me to God's country,' a phrase the country star posted on Instagram after walking out of 'goodnights' on his episode.
Black delivers a singing monologue about being back that is just too much fun. This isn't the first time that he has sung in an SNL monologue, but it feels right for his brand of comedy and his return to the show to bring it back. He enters the crowd and brings on cast members, including Kenan Thompson. Notably, Black's second time hosting in 2003 was also Thompson's first episode on the cast. This is what a monologue during the 50th season should look like.
Sometimes, the game show premise can get a little stale on SNL because it is done so often. However, this one is surprisingly fresh. In it, a blind dating show gets interrupted by one bachelor's outfit choice. It's cute and punchy and knows exactly how to end. Dismukes also really shines as the irked host.
Black just can't get enough Flamin' Hot Cheetos, even on a product that shouldn't be synonymous with spice. Having a CGI Chester Cheetah is fun, and the commercial parody almost always works on SNL. There is nothing wrong with this sketch, but on a night of really inventive and fun sketches, it feels a little one-note.
When a group of college friends gets together for the first time in years, their old habit of trying to one-up each other reemerges. This sketch makes excellent use of sound effects, which really heightens the simple premise. Using random hawk sound effects feels a little more Adult Swim than SNL, but it's funny, and the performers' reactions are great. While the final beat doesn't really work, this sketch feels inventive and amusing.
In Athens, around 500 BC, theater is invented. However, the audience at the first play doesn't understand the new art medium. Black turns in a good performance and the sketch has a silly charm to it, but it relies a little too heavily on one joke.
Reggae singers, played by Ego Nwodim and Thompson, sing about a goth teen (played by Michael Longfellow) on a family vacation to Jamaica. They are joined by Black as Gerard Way. It's a very funny song that features a characteristically excellent performance from Longfellow. Warning: it's very catchy.
The duo performed two songs: 'Little Richard's Bible" and 'Who Believes in Angels?' The first, 'Little Richard's Bible,' is an especially fun performance. It is high energy, and seeing John still able to rock out at the piano at 78 is terrific.
Weekend Update was good overall, with jokes about the stock market and Wallen, as well as returning characters Grant and Alyssa (the couple you can't believe are still together). However, if you are going to watch one segment, make it Nwodin's pitch to be the White House Correspondents Dinner comedian. She previews her set, roasting the dinner as Ms. Eggy, the baddest chick on the block. It's such a realized yet ridiculous character. Her commitment to the bit is hilarious, and her crowd interactions with the crowd (and subsequent improv) are infectious. Honestly, this is the hardest this writer has laughed this season.
Black and Sarah Sherman are about to make love, and of course, they need to sing a song about it in their silk pajamas. Bowen Yang and Carlile join in the action. This sketch is silly fun.
A jam session with Big Ricky and the Minnows gets dangerous when too many bass players join in on the action. This sketch really plays to Black's strengths while still casting him against type as the straight man. The use of Tom Petty's Free Falling and the location of a Southern lakeside bar also work very well in this sketch.
It's Times Square. WWII is over. Heidi Gardner plays a nurse who is kissed by a sailor. However, her boyfriend (played by Black) is upset. While this sketch could have been simple, there are a lot of zany jokes that build on the premise, including Black being a racist cartoonist and holding too many hotdogs. This sketch also has a great ending.
While this animated short was cut for time, it is a fun little sketch. Two kings hope to take each other on in an epic battle if only they could find each other. These animated shorts are a great addition to the season, and while this isn't the best one, it is still worth a watch.
SNL returns April 12 with host Jon Hamm and Lizzo.
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Floral ballet flats that'll really up your shoe game, thanks to the oh-so-adorable cutouts that also allow your feet to breathe. Plus, they're so darn flexible, you can easily roll them up to pack for your vacays! Vintage Reebok sneakers to add a lil' retro vibe to your OOTD. They're so versatile that you can pair 'em with anything — dresses, skirts, sweats, you name it — and you'll absolutely slay while staying comfy all day. The midsoles are designed to absorb impact, and the padded foam sock liners will keep your feet nice and cushy. New Balance 574 Core Sneakers that are a cult-favorite, and deservedly so. Not only are they incredibly stylish, but they also feel like plush clouds with every step you take, thanks to the EVA midsole. Promising review: "I'm in love with these shoes! I love the look of them which I feel is very retro. The sizing is perfect as described. They are extremely comfortable and durable. 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The sandals conform to the natural curves of my feet, offering a glove-like fit that feels like walking on clouds. The adjustable straps ensure a customized and secure fit, allowing me to walk with ease and without any discomfort or blisters." —AshleyGet them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in whole sizes 5–11 and in 24 colors). Sorel wedge sandals with molded platform soles that'll give you the extra height you so desire without the pain. You'll be able to walk for miles without any aches because of the secure straps and molded EVA footbed! Braided heel sandals to rock it out on the dance floor at your bestie's wedding without having to take your shoes off before the "Cupid Shuffle" comes on. Heels that won't make your feet ache and throb? Yes, please!!! Handmade mules if you want to look as chic as possible (ofc you do)! These have pointed toes, gorgeous cutouts, and a slight heel — aren't you obsessed? Because I sure am. Zou Xou Shoes is a Black woman-owned business that has been creating handcrafted shoes by Argentinian shoemakers since 2015. The styles are easy and classic so they can be worn for years. These mules are handmade to order in European sizes, and they suggest sizing up. See the sizing chart (last photo on the listing) for more details!Promising review: "These shoes are very high quality and feel like butter every time I put them on. They only took two wears to break in and are one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. Make sure to size up if you plan on ordering these beautiful shoes!" —gingerbread24Get them from Zou Xou Shoes on Etsy for $254 (available in European sizes 36-42, or US sizes 5.5–11). Mesh sneakers that are sooo comfy, reviewers have run 5Ks, hiked for miles, and stood for up to 18 hours in these bad boys without feeling any pain! Espadrille platform sandals so your feet can stay pain-free during sunshine-filled walks through the streets of Italy. 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