Get Him To The Greek (2010) – Film Review

Few will remember the days when controversial Russell Brand was not the growing sensation that he is today. Engaged to pop starlet Katie Perry with a string of awards, comedy tours and a host of television presenting gigs under his belt little seems to be standing in the way of the Brand’s meteoric rise. His role in 2008’s hugely enjoyable Forgetting Sarah Marshall saw him grace Hollywood screens. Although somewhat biographical, the role was memorable and has spawned the hugely likeable Get Him To The Greek.

The first-hand experience Brand has had with both the successes and problems that his character, Aldous Snow, faces in Get Him To The Greek provides the film with a credibility that may not have been bestowed upon it had any other actor taken the part. When his sensational career crumbles after the release of a disastrously insulting album, Aldous Snow becomes a drug and alcohol-riddled recluse. Enter mega-fan Aaron Green (Jonah Hill), who pitches the idea of an Infant Sorrow (Snow’s band) come-back gig to his music executive boss. A slew of mishaps and calamities follow when Green has to transport Snow from London to The Greek Theatre in LA, with Snow taking him on as a form of protégé.

Fans of Forgetting Sarah Marshall will notice Hill plays a completely different character in this semi-sequel, but this is easily over-looked. Although Brand and Hill both provide great performances the true star of the film is Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs who stars as Hill’s crazed music boss Sergio. Combs obviously has a lot of fun with his character and it is Sergio that seems most comfortable in the sometimes crazy script. With its wacky premise, Get Him To The Greek‘s balance between comedic and tender moments is occasionally spoiled. Brand’s Snow exhibits some moving calls for help that are sometimes placed unsettlingly in the midst of moments of comic genius.

Providing humorous jibes at the entertainment industry, Get Him To The Greek is a film that, although sometimes flailing from cringe-worthy moment to cringe-worthy moment resulting in an overly awkward threesome, contains some true comic brilliance as well as teaching viewers a cautionary tale to never accept a Jeffrey when one is offered to you. Be warned.