It's not often that a side character from a movie can become enough of a break-out that they earn a starring role in their own film, but Aldous Snow, played by British comedian Russell Brand, the lecherous, old-school rocker from Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of those rare characters that was too big for his small part and just had to be upgraded.
The end result of that is Get Him to the Greek, directed by Sarah Marshall helmer Nicholas Stoller. The plot centers around Snow's fall from grace after releasing a disastrous album. Aaron Green, played by the always likable Johan Hill, works as a talent scout at Pinnacle Records, and suggests that Snow stage a comeback show at the Greek Theatre in L.A. The idealistic young man is then charged with getting the demanding, messed up rock star from London to L.A. within three days. As you expect, hilarity ensues.
And it is hilarious. Hill and Brand have great chemistry together, and their differing personalities clash nicely onscreen. The supporting cast also adds some great laughs, particularly and surprisingly Sean "Diddy" Combs, who plays the head of Pinnacle Records. Combs' public persona is always so serious you wouldn't expect him to deliver the laughs he does here, but boy howdy you're laughing whenever he's on screen. And despite the craziness, there are some soft, genuine moments as well as the characters rub off on each other.
There's some great music too, put on display through music videos and performances, courtesy of Snow's band Infant Sorrow. Apparently along with being a comedian and an actor, Brand can be a rock star as well. As soon as I got home I found the soundtrack on iTunes and downloaded three of my favorite songs. "Furry Walls" in particular is the one to get (you'll know why when you see the film).
My Verdict: A funny and crazy night of rock & roll excess.
No comments:
Post a Comment