DVD Reviews

Get Him To The Greek

• Rating:
• Director: Nicholas Stoller
• Starring: Colm Meaney
• Details: US/108mins 16

Ostensibly a sequel to the very funny Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek sees Russell Brand reprise his Aldus Snow character, but Jonah Hill plays a more prominent role than the film's abrasive waiter. With writer/director Nick Stoller returning to helm, all the ingredients were here to replicate the laugh quota on 'Marshall', and this very funny comedy dutifully obliges. The setup is decidedly more madcap than anything else Judd Apatow's shingle has churned out before - improvised gags are there aplenty, just with more physical comedy than before.
It's been ten years since Aldus Snow played The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, and his show there still remains one of the best selling live albums of all time. But Snow has gotten lost up his own arse, and released self-indulgent albums like 'African Child', which has caused his fanbase to wane and him to fall off the wagon, head first. Jonah Hill's up and coming record executive still believes in him, though, and convinces his scary boss that a reunion show would make them a fortune in revenue for the label. So, off to London he goes, tasked with bringing the impetuous rock star to LA in 72 hours - when the show at 'The Greek' will start.
A stand-alone comedy, that can be enjoyed equally as much by those who have seen 'Sarah Marshall' or those just simply looking to head to the flicks in search of hilarity, enjoyment of this film will still depend on your opinion of Brand. The rather flamboyant entertainer is front and centre for the majority of 'Greeks' running time, and he isn't playing a character a million miles away from his public persona. For some that will be grating, while others will delight in the sheer personification of an articulate performer. Whatever way you look at it, Brand is very good, even in the quieter moments.
Despite the global success of Superbad, Hill is often the bridesmaid of Apatow productions, mainly turning up in glorified cameos and supporting roles. Here, he's the man pushing the narrative forward, but still finding time for his own acerbic gags. The plot is predictable, but as with most comedies, that goes out the window when laughs are delivered and they certainly are here; surprisingly often through P.Diddy (Poppa Diddy Pop... Whatever), who is great as the bastard boss who knows the industry inside out.
Littered with cameos (a game Lars Ulrich the pick of the bunch), Get Him To The Greek is funny people spewing lines from a funny script, directed by someone with impeccable timing. A feel-good, thoroughly amusing comedy that will delight fans of Brand, a man who should soon find himself amongst the Hollywood elite.

Review by Mike Sheridan