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Mos Def stars as Mike, an employee in Elroy Fletcher's (Danny Glover) video rental store -- a store that specializes in video tapes, independent films, old films, silent films... Basically everything nobody really cares about.

Elroy's told his store is being torn down to put in condos. He leaves for a few days to figure out how to save his store, leaving Mike in charge. When Mike's obnoxious friend Jerry (Jack Black) accidentally erases all the tapes in the store, the two of them recreate 20-minute versions of the films, now dubbed "Sweded" versions, and as a result of covering their series of mistakes, they may end up saving the store.

On the surface, this seems like a Jack Black comedy where the underdogs try to save the local business from "The Man" who's trying to take away their business and home -- much like about half the movies that came out of the 80's, perhaps epitomized by The Goonies (or the infamous Ernest Goes to Camp).

This is not, however, a comedy. Nor is it a vehicle for Jack Black. He's very much part of an ensemble here, and Mos Def carries the movie just as much as Black does (as does Glover further into the film). Those thinking they're going to see a Jack Black comedy will be VERY disappointed. And I should point out that the Sweded movie footage shown so prominently in the trailers comprise only a few minutes of the film.

What you'll get instead is a new, simple, refreshing twist on a an old formula. No slapstick this time around. Rather, we've got a drama with an independent feel. Don't get me wrong; the humor works well. But all along the way, even when Mike and Jerry are doing well, you wonder whether it's really enough to save the store. Even when Elroy returns from his short walkabout, he's not happy with what the boys are doing, further complicating the mess the guys are in and almost (but not quite) making Glover feel like an antagonist.

The plot swerves back and forth a bit (there are no real "twists") between hope and defeat, and for a modern drama, it's a fun ride that's serious while still humorous and meaningful while not too heavy.

Some people will have an issue with the ending, but I found myself realizing that the movie wasn't really about the store.

Rent it before buying, as it's hard to give a blanket recommendation for this one, and there's not much replay value, but if you're in the mood for a light-hearted drama with a bit of humor, check it out.

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