A 'Get Him To The Greek' Review: Should You Get To The Cinema?

'Get Him to the Greek' is yet another film attached to Judd Apatow (producer for this movie) who has either produced or directed such popular comedic films as 'Anchorman', '40 Year Old Virgin', 'Knocked Up', 'Superbad' and 'Pineapple Express' to only name a few. This film is actually a spin off of another Judd Apatow produced comedy, 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'. If you have even heard of the above movies, then you have an idea the type of company 'Get Him to the Greek' is in, thus have an inkling of what to expect in this film.

Apatow has the reputation of delivering raunchy but sweet films, that often appeal to the male demographic but still have enough to offer his girlfriend when she is dragged along (as long as she can handle a healthy dose of profanity, potty humour and dirty jokes). Since this model has been a major hit at the box office, it had no chance of being altered or eliminated here. You should know what to expect when entering this film, but the question is, after so many movies does the formula still work and produce the laughs the audience is looking for?

The film focuses on eccentric rock star (is there any other kind?) Aldous Snow, played by Russell Brand, who was a supporting character in 'Finding Sarah Marshall'. Snow has hit a 3 year rough patch where his fame and success has faltered after the ill advised (in the storyline world but absolutely hilarious for the real world movie goer) 'African Child' music video/song/album, which has lead to him taking a rather large tumble off the proverbial wagon. Enter record company intern Aaron Green, played by Jonah Hill, who suggests they promote a comeback concert in an attempt to save the money losing record company. This leads to the main drive of the film, where Green is responsible for getting Snow to the Greek Theatre in LA. Since it wouldn't be much of a movie otherwise, Green runs into a lot of different and hilarious obstacles along the way of trying to get Aldous to his own concert.

'Greek' is yet another movie that would fall under the Bromance comedy that has been growing over the last few years, such as 'Superbad' and 'I Love You, Man'. Similar to those films, it has an underlying message which makes the film more than just a 'dumb comedy'. It deals with issues like acceptance, friendship, loyalty, and being true to one's self. The Green character is your average person, thus someone most audience members can relate to (Snow is for the all the rich and drugged up rock stars that attend movies). He is basically a good human being, that makes some major mistakes, which helps make him someone you can accept as real (which is important since almost everyone else, besides his girlfriend, are larger than life cartoons). The film's big focus is the devleoping relationship and acceptance between the two big opposites in Snow and Green (hence, being a Bromance).

The reality is, you aren't seeing this movie for its profound message (or its lack of one). You're paying this money to laugh and laugh until Diet Coke torpedoes from your nose. Though I can't promise the spraying of Diet Coke (especially if you drink Sprite), but I can say that I laughed at some point in almost every scene in this movie. Though I doubt I'll ever talk about any deeper meaning or powerful message in this film (because really, it isn't there to any large degree), but four days later, I still find myself giggling when remembering parts in the movie. It is a genuinely funny movie, that will make almost anyone laugh out loud. It contains a few moments that will likely go down as comedy classics. Of course, as I stated earlier, this isn't a family movie (I am pretty sure it is rated R) and if you like your humour clean then you're wasting your time. I went with Emily and two neighbours, and everyone left saying this was a very funny movie. The fact is, that is all you should be looking for in a film like this.

I don't want to provide any spoilers since the film is still in theatres and likely, many of you haven't seen it yet (but should, if 'Knocked Up' or '40 Year Old Virgin' is your type of comedy), but I wanted to focus on a few key aspects of the film. I know very little about Russell Brand ( I know he is huge overseas), but I have to say he does a marvelous job as the coked out of his mind rock star. He definitely plays a role that will remind you of a few rock icons, based off his mannerisms and performance. I've always enjoyed Jonah Hill in his other films, but I think, he does a great job as the leading man. I really think this will be the film that helps establish him as one of the next big leading comedy stars. His chemistry with Brand is very solid, and he does a great job as the relative straight man (or at least, being the 'common man'). The real shocker is the performance by P Diddy (yeah, that P Diddy). P Diddy is no where near my favourite recording artist, but he was without any dispute, the very best part of this movie. He is absolutely hilarious and plays his part exceptionally. I never would have thought he would be the highlight of a film, but he most definitely is here.

The question is, where does this film stand amongst other comedy classics? I wouldn't put it at the very top or even say, it is one of the very best of Apatow's films. The movie is very funny, and the actors play their roles solidly, and though there are some parts that will probably be deemed classics, the film as a whole will only be remembered as being pretty good. There are a few scenes that are a little too awkward and foolish. There is sometimes a sense that you've already seen this before. But you know what, who really cares? The film is still going to be the funniest movie this summer and will squeeze many laughs out of you throughout its running time. Isn't that the whole reason you watch a comedy? This is a high recommendation, and yet another success from Apatow and company.