New Review: Get Him to the Greek

Broken Record

I know that I must be getting a bit repetitive by now, but everywhere I turn I keep getting reminders about what a lackluster year 2010 has turned out to be, despite the strong promise it showed in the beginning. Still, I admit that there have been some quality entertainment now and again. As the summer gets into full swing, I've already said that I found the best film of the summer (Please Give). However, I'm quite happy to report that while this may not be the replacement for the best film of the summer so far, it is most certainly the funniest.

If you saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall, then you'll recognize the name of rock star Aldous Snow, played by Russell Brand. After celebrating his sobriety in the previous film, Snow has now taken a nosedive as the relationship with his pop-star wife (Rose Byrne) starts to go south. Snow enters into a mutually beneficial agreement where he will perform at the Greek Theatre as part of an anniversary concert for music mogul Sergio (Sean Combs). Jonah Hill plays Aaron, an up-and-commer at Sergio's record label who is charged with bringing Snow to the concert, and there is when the mishaps ensue.

If you compare this film with Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the first film is better. This film never really matches up to the sharp wit and engaging characters that Jason Segal managed to create, but this film still manages to provide enough on its own terms to be considered funny. Writer-director Nicholas Stoller (who directed Sarah Marshall) actually creates a film that's a lot smarter than the ads make it out to be. Some of the humor even aspires to be a witty indictment on the entertainment industry and entertainment journalism. Most of the film does also aspire for the low brow, broad comedy with the drug related material and the double-entendre songs that are just as funny as the first time.

I do have to say, though, that some of the drug humor stretches a little bit into the ridiculous territory. Most of it manages to be funny, but more than enough times it feels like the film is feeling a bit tired. That is combined with a plot that meanders wildly all over the place and features some pretty weird tonal shifts. By the time the film starts to get to the end, you can tell that it ran out of steam about fifteen minutes ago. Still, the majority of the film finds the right pace to strike, even though towards the end it isn't always consistent.

Even though not every movie Hill has been in is a winner, he still manages to bring that shy and nervous energy to score some hearty laughs. This film is no different, and as the film's anchor he's touching and hilarious in all the right places. Fortunately, the spotlight is shared with Brand, meaning we can get all the humorous and poignant moments from his character without having to suffer through all the annoying habits that would have made his character unbearable, and Brand does an able job of keeping up. The supporting work from Combs (surprisingly funny here), Byrne, Elizabeth Moss and Aaron's girlfriend, and Colm Meaney as Snow's surly father are also fun in their roles as well and bring another light of humor.

It's not the best thing to come out of the Apatow factory, as the plot slows down in some places, the humor tries too hard, the tones are not consistent. But in the end, the film finds enough laughs to keep the interest intact, and the great performances from most of the ensemble work with the rather smart wit. I'm always glad when a comedy can put a smile on my face, and this one is no different. If this film finds success, I suppose the countdown starts to see that McLovin' movie.

B