Get Him to the Greek (2010) Review: Record company Intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) is tasked to accompany out of control, out of action British rock star Aldus Snow (Russell Brand) to a concert at L.A’s Greek Theatre to bring real music back into the public gaze.
On the outset I am always a little worried that comedians coming from a stand-up background don’t have what it takes on the set of Hollywood films. On stage the character is often their own personality and that is who an audience connects with. It is a hard thing for someone who relies on their own stage presence to become someone else yet stay funny and entertaining in the way their audiences have become accustomed. I had no reason to worry.
Written and directed by Nicholas Stoller this film made me, quite frankly, nearly wet myself. It is mostly solid hilarity from the onset. As a spin-off from ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ this film has the legs to carry the comedy and character through to the end.
Get Him to the Greek is pure Brand, every part of his character is himself; sexual magnetism, addictions, hang-overs, distant relationships and estranged parents all make up Aldus Snow’s character. The wonderful thing about this film however is the emotion journey both Aldus and Aaron take with each other. Much like the relationship between Carter and Lee from the ‘Rush hour’ trilogy the friendship is formed through their journey together. It blossoms into becoming the catalyst for self discovery for both characters.
Another fantastic addition to this comedy collaboration is the magic that is Sergio played by ‘P. Diddy’. A superb character who brings yet more laughs with this quick-firing, aggressive comedy style.
It may seem to some that the film is slightly mean at times and there are some aspects of the plot that are either very squirmy or downright disgusting. However ‘Get him to the Greek’ provides a great deal of laughter with very unexpected yet welcome moments of warmth and emotion.
This is Brand at his best and proves he has what it takes to be a huge hit on the Hollywood scene for, hopefully, years to come.
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