The plot device is genius. It’s going to end up being one big extended popcult in-joke; if they’re smart they’ll keep the story and exposition short and sweet to allow more time for movie goofs. What makes it intriguing is the director — Michel Gondry, who was responsible for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and who’s known for preferring highbrow fare. Makes me think this may end up being more interesting than a standard, if inspired, gimmick comedy. I guess it all depends on whether it’s been conceived simply as a vehicle for Jack Black to ham it up or if he’s here in the service of a larger concept, like Sandler in “Punch Drunk Love.”

Exit question: Is Black trying to look like Mark David Chapman or did it just shake out that way?