What is the best way to learn to play guitar?

I’ve tinkered around with the guitar since I was in high school and I still struggle. I can play songs by Green Day and Nirvana because they use a lot of power chords, and I know some basic chords like G, A And D, but I can’t seem to do much else. I see a lot of people on Youtube who are amazing guitar players that can play along with my favorite bands like Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers and System of a Down and I wish it was me. Plus I see jackasses like Adam Sandler and Jack Black and they can play guitar pretty well. So if they can play like that, why can’t I?

How can I take my playing to the next level? Is it all about repetition and practice? Is there some trick to it?