The Red Right Hand
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GET HIM TO THE GREEK
Arriving This Summer (Hopefully)

Director
Nicholas Stoller

Starring
Jonah Hill
Russell Brand
Rose Byrne
Sean Combs

The Greek. You have any idea what 'The Greek' is? No, neither did I. Apparently it's an amphitheatre in Los Angeles. There we go, cleared that one up. So, on with the review.

Spinning off from 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him To The Greek focuses on the dwindling career of drug addled rocker, Aldous Snow [Brand]. After releasing an incredibly controversial and financially disastrous record entitled 'African Child' Snow has separated from his long-time girlfriend Jackie Q [Byrne] and been living in relative obscurity. On the other side of the Atlantic, Aaron Green [Hill] - a young employee of the record label that owns the rights to Snow's material - suggests a ten year anniversary concert at the Greek Theatre in LA to help rejuvenate sales. Eventually, Aaron's boss, Sergio [Combs] agrees and explains he has seventy two hours to get Snow to New York for a televised announcement and back to Los Angeles for the gig. Aaron's realises that you should never meet your heroes and quickly begins to lose control of the rock star's schedule. Snow's abuse of Aaron continues as various demands and diversions are called into play before they finally arrive in Los Angeles.

If you recall, my review for Forgetting Sarah Marshall was hailed as a gross misinterpretation of the film and unnecessarily scathing. I still stand by my opinion that it was an outright mediocre release but whatever. This film, however, takes the best element and offers you a glimpse into his life - or more aptly a semi-biographical take on Russell Brand's real-life battle with opiates. Whether or not this means he's a good actor or simply reliving his life is beyond me at this point but either way, it's damned entertaining. The uproarious comedic elements range from side-splitting to completely uncomfortable but by-and-large they all work. In addition to the fine performances and amusing cameos, the technical elements also work extremely well; I had few complaints with the directorial choices, editing, production and the music selected felt a tad predictable but still appropriate.

I suppose my biggest frustration was with the writing. I think the jokes hit the right notes and the overall delivery was positive but the pacing towards the film's finale was a little askew. As far as any other negative aspects go, they're primarily down to taste and opinion. By that I simply mean that some are going to walk out of this movie, grinning away, pleased with their film experience; others will be absolutely horrified and disgusted with what they have been subjected to. Ultimately, it's going to entertain some and sicken others. The best comparison I can make with a recent release would be The Hangover - some people loved it, others hated it. Up to you, kids.

Release Date:
25th June 2010

The Scene To Look Out For:
I had a whole list of moments noted that amused me but the entire 'Jeffrey' scene is just too ridiculous not to mention. In an effort to beat Snow at his own game, Sergio turns up and starts passing round a joint loaded with marijuana, heroin, ecstasy and pretty much every other narcotic under the sun. The whole thing starts out quite tamely, with Aaron complaining he's going to have a heart attack; Snow takes him to a furry wall and instructs Aaron to stroke it repeatedly. All good. As things escalate, Sergio starts a fight with Snow's father and Aaron becomes hysterical. Thinking he's helping Snow injects Aaron with adrenaline and both escape the hotel room, followed by a wild-eyed Sergio screaming, "You can't outrun me! I'm black!" It's not overdone but creates a stellar pace that builds progressively without topping itself. Genius.

Notable Characters:
Although both Jonah Hill and Russell Brand command their way throughout this entire film, the most surprising element came in the form of Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. Combs plays Aaron's boss, Sergio, with complete abandon. His lines are outrageous, the energy behind his performance is shocking and his commitment to the role is simply brilliant. I still believe the two leads to be the highlight of the film but each and every scene featuring the foul-mouthed record producer was hilarious.

Highlighted Quote:
"Why don't you go sue Napster you little Danish prick!"

In A Few Words:
"Beneath the lewd, shocking, raunchy, foul-mouthed slapstick of it all is a strangely warm film littered with hilarious scenarios"

Total Score:
8/10


Matthew Stogdon