GET HIM TO THE GREEK: REVIEW
This
is one hilarious, politically incorrect, wild movie and a loose extension, rather
than sequel, to last year's hit comedy, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'.
In
it, British comedian Russell Brand is again portraying the outrageous rocker Aldous
Snow, who seduced Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell, who also makes a brief appearance
here). 'Get Him To The Greek' are the further adventures of drug addled Snow,
now in exile in London, but soon to embark on a tumultuous road trip to Los Angeles
via New York. Jonah Hill, of 'Supabad' fame, is junior record executive Aaron,
who becomes chaperone via orders from his boss to bring Snow back in one piece
for a massive reunion concert, at the famous L.A Greek Theatre.
Complications
arise, dramas occur and a series of mind altering moments stall what should be
a standard trip across the Atlantic. Aldous Snow is washed up, dabbles in a cocktail
of recreational drugs and separated from his true love Jackie Q (played by Australian
Rose Byrne). It is his main regret in life to have Jackie Q walk away. Like his
love life, his musical career is in the toilet and to further complicate kindred,
his father has penned a tell all book about his son's debauchery.
Young
Aaron, assigned to babysit the out of control bad boy rocker starts off lovingly
when arriving in Europe, only to be pushed to extremes opening his eyes on all
the crazy things behind the scenes on the road in the rock and roll fraternity.
He is not used to the constant party animal lifestyle, ultimately Aaron's eyes
open to the world he has so far missed in his protected youth. Self indulgent
and demon plagued, whether it's running around stark naked in a heroin infused
frenzy, or performing to a full house, the scene stealing Russell Brand can drag
an ordinarily written scene into hilarious proportions. Brand delivers mellow,
mainly offensive lines with the all the magnetism of a charlatan in heat.
The
tweak in his talent is captivating; his bouncing off beat charm is the creme de
la creme, opposite - the equally excellent Jonah Hill. The pair are like the perverse
odd couple in a riot of awkward situations. The divisive humour is constantly
in your face, even when you least expect it. The funniest moment in the film actually
involves furry walls. The man formerly known as Puff Daddy, now Sean Combs, is
hysterical as Aaron's boss, a music industry head honcho with swagger, he sprouts
an abundance of tasteless, witty lines that defy belief.
Look
out for a galaxy of cameos from performers such as Pink, Christina Aguilera and
Lars Ulrich from 'Metallica'. Unfortunately, in the final stanza when Aldous begins
to regret his wicked ways, sentimentality sucks the air of all the enjoyment that
came before his new found redemption. Hoping for some lovelorn moments, the movie
comes to an abrupt halt.
Russell Brand possesses a gifted persona.
Soon to be seen in an update of Shakespeare's TEMPEST and taking on the Dudley
Moore role in a remake of the 1980 classic, 'Arthur', Brand is the genuine reason
to see this jovial crowd pleaser. He can also hold a decent tune, singing some
aptly outrageous songs. For those not easily offended, see Get Him To The Greek
- it's the best comedy around.
Shane A. Bassett
