The pairing of Jonah Hill and Russell Brand in Forgetting Sarah Marshall all but stole the film and did enough to convince that film’s producer Judd Apatow that they deserved their own movie. It turns out the instincts of Apatow, who has something of the Midas touch when it comes to comedies, have been proven right. Get Him to the Greek possesses all the ingredients to become this year’s The Hangover in terms of a breakout hit.
Brand reprises his character in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the egotistical, self-destructive rock star Aldous Snow, while this time around Hill plays hapless record executive Aaron Green. The two make for an unlikely pairing with the figure of the tall, lean and long-haired Brand contrasting starkly with the short, rotund physique and closely-shorn locks of Hill. Visually they look funny together, which helps, but it turns out the two definitely share a connection that makes their comedy partnership work.
The film opens by establishing how ludicrous Snow is. Posing as some Christ-like figure, he is on location shooting a video for his song African Child. This misguided and patronizing attempt to comment on the atrocities affecting the region is universally condemned as the third worst thing to hit Africa, behind only famine and war, and marks a low point of Snow’s career.
As a rock star, Brand is more than convincing. He not only looks the part, but his moves as Snow are like an homage to some of rock’s greatest frontmen. What’s harder to swallow is the notion that Snow would have achieved such a status with a collection of songs that are more like Spinal Tap outtakes. Filled with sexually explicit innuendos, his hits include such gems as Gang of Lust, The Clap, I am Jesus and Bangers, Beans and Mash. Interestingly the songwriters include Jarvis Cocker and Carl Barat.
With his once successful career on the skids, Snow, who was “famously sober for years” and is now “famously not sober,” is trying to reclaim his former glory. To this end he is being helped by Green, a long-time fan, who works for Snow’s U.S. record label, run by the intimidating Sergio Roma (an hilarious P. Diddy). Green suggests celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Snow’s classic album, Live at the Greek, by holding a comeback show at the famous Los Angeles venue. Roma green lights the project and entrusts Green with the task of escorting Snow from London to LA in 72 hours in time for the show.
Given Snow’s excesses and irresponsible nature, this is no easy task. The journey becomes a series of wild adventures with the once timid and straight-laced Green being sucked into Snow’s wild lifestyle of drugs, drink and women. Along with its absurdist, over the top elements, the film does work in some more touching, heartfelt moments that both Brand and Hill handle with a surprising aplomb.
Brand certainly has a screen presence and charisma. His ability to make the self-absorbed and stupid Snow likeable is a testimony to his own charm which at times has to contend with his own gratingly exuberant personality. Hill shows a more nuanced side that hitherto hasn’t been seen and Sean Whatever He’s Calling Himself This Week Combs shows that he can be as funny as his names. There’s also a host of cameo appearances, most notably from Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. If the stars align, this might mark the beginning of a whole series of movies. If so, you can look forward to Get Him to the O2 Centre and Get Him to the Budokan.
Kevin Murphy
