GET HIM TO THE GREEK: Movie Review

I remember the first time I saw Russell Brand. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, introduced me to someone who even though rendered a supporting role, to be honest, pretty much stole it from Segal who was actually the lead. Not to say Segal sucked, because he’s great at what he does. Funny, charismatic, personal, however; when sharing scenes with Brand, something always shifted and left a scope on this unique Tea and Crumpet having mate. Oh and of course those hilarious moments with Jonah Hill. They were classic also. He stood out; I enjoyed it and didn’t think I’d be seeing much of him. Well, how wrong was I? Months after the success of the film, he would host the Mtv movie awards where he pretty much owned the stage. Boo’d at times seeing as America was still a bit unsure about him, he maintained his composure and delivered some of the most annoying comedy ever. There were chuckles, however, he “crossed the line” when making fun of our then president George. W. Bush. Man I remember that was all over the place. Media outlets had a blast with this guy. To be honest, it obtained him even more fame. Controversy is good, sells and forces people to TALK about YOU. Once that was out of the way, I got to like this cat a bit more once he did the Howard Stern Show. For those who listen I’m sure can recall how open he’s been on the show. So far he’s done 3 interviews with Howard and each one becomes better than the next. It IS hard to follow him at times, but I think that’s what’s made him who he is and provided his new found fame. This guy HAS a unique personality and no matter how you feel, one way or another, you’ll wind up enjoying something he does or says. Having jammed all of Brand’s moments and reading what’s coming up on his agenda, I know this guy will be sticking around for a while.

For those who don’t remember Aldous Snow, he’s the rock-star who was always thinking outside of the box and through his radical Britpop-star ways and charm, obtained the ever so famous and vibrant Sarah Marshall. Leading it in a direction of mishaps, disagreements, free-will unveilings regarding openness towards sex and life, he retunes in Get him to the Greek, however: this time around he’s more of a mental-case, rather than a smooth talking English version of a Don Juan.

Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) releases a song about problems in Africa called “African Child.” The song and music video are seen as horrible and called, “The worst thing to happen to Africa since apartheid.” The single ruins Snow’s career, and as a result he starts drinking and doing drugs excessively. His girlfriend Jackie Q (Rose Byrne), with whom he had a son named Naples, also leaves him, taking custody of Naples. Aaron Green (Jonah Hill – playing an entirly different role) is a driven, idealistic young college graduate who works as an intern at a record company named “Pinnacle.” He lives with his girlfriend, a doctor, but they do not get to see each other often due to their different sleep schedules. Pinnacle has lost a lot of money, so the executive of the branch Sergio (Sean Combs) asks for ideas. Green proposes to have Snow play at the Greek Theater for the tenth anniversary of a performance. Sergio is impressed with the idea and charges Aaron with getting Aldous Snow to the theatre. The idealistic Aaron then takes on the taks of taking drug-addled Aldous from London to LA. In the midst of this move, unique complexities arise which takes Aaron and Aldous on one of the most comical journys ever.

In many aspects when the film leeches off it’s drug-ridden humor, the dialog is pretty rough. Seeing as it’s an R-rated comedy flick, it works and lends a lot to what anyone would expect an R-rated comedy to be. At times it sort of feels a bit “superior” to Sarah Marshall, but that’s just on a personal take. I’m sure you can come up with your own assesment. It just felt that way and strangely felt like I was enjoying this film a bit more. There are moments where it drifts from synical humor, but that’s when Jonah Hill comes in and quite frankly, Sean Combes. Remarkably Hill is starting to obtain that John Candy likable type of aura which perhaps to a certain degree and Combs for some reason has a natural sense of what he was meant to do with his character. Many might argue he was playing himself, maybe, maybe not, but when moments come through with Brand’s absence, there are players in the film who can carry it quite well.

If you’re looking for a good dirty laugh, this is it. It’s not meant for the kids as there’s a mixture of everything. You name it: Sex, Drugs, Drinking etc. and I don’t think the kids will get a kick out of this. The same would apply to those without a sense-of-humor. However; if you’re good with it and able to take it, go for it. If you enjoyed Sarah Marshall, you’ll enjoy this one.

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GRADE: B
GENRE: Comedy
ROARS: 4 Out of 5

Rated: R / Run Time: 1 Hr. 50 Min.

Cast: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Elisabeth Moss, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Rose Byrne

Director: Nicholas Stoller

(Opens Fri, June 4th)