2008’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was one of the most lovable and hilarious romantic comedies in recent memory — a side-splitting immature raunch-fest that featured genuine insight into the daunting hurdles of adult romantic relationships.
While so many, many sex comedies lazily spin their wheels and rely solely on misplaced body fluids to earn audience goodwill, “Marshall” introduced us to a gaggle of unique, flawed and entirely human characters who refreshingly defied the stereotype moulds that they would typically be firmly stuck in.
Arguably that film’s most unforgettable character was Aldous Snow, the boozy, sex-addicted British rock star played by the boozy, sex-addicted British comedian Russell Brand. As opposed to being presented as an offensive, repulsive creep, Snow was a master at disarming those around him with his sharp sense of humor and surprisingly unaffected sincerity.
Brand, full of child-like glee over his own naughtiness, stole the show from his talented co-stars every time he drunkenly stumbled on screen, so it makes perfect sense that he was awarded his own spin-off, titled “Get Him to the Greek,” directed by “Sarah Marshall” helmer Nicholas Stoller and co-starring Jonah Hill, who also had a funny (unrelated) bit part as a celeb-stalker in that movie.
“Greek’s” just-released full-length trailer boasts a handful of amusing little Brand-ian bon mots (I defy you to not giggle at his delivery of the line “I’m a motorist”) and nicely conveys the comedic scenario, which has Hill’s neurotic, eager-to-please record company intern attempting to get Snow to a concert on time. Simple and direct. I like it.
I’m also really digging the deranged zaniness of the clip. It plays like a cleverly filthy, anarchic take on Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous,” with the requisite rock star excess taken to its most hilariously unhinged and debauched level. If the film can sustain this tone for its duration, and Brand doesn’t wear out his welcome when pushed front and center, “Get Him to the Greek” may end up being an absolute riot.
Check out the trailer for yourself and let us know what you think. Are you eager for more Aldous Snow? Do you think that Brand has what it takes to be a leading man? Did that adrenaline needle gag make you cackle as loudly as me? Unleash your rock-tastic responses in our comments section!
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“Hurry up, it’s not meant to be a hobby!” — I literally laughed out loud.
The movie wouldn’t have worked nearly as well if Snow would have been one of those typical one-note jerks that they usually create for that type of role. Movies are always much better when that character is believable as someone whom the lead girl might actually go for, but not so good that you wonder why she would ever go back to her ex. Brand’s character straddled that line perfectly. Plus, he was hilarious.
I’m excited for this! I think Russel Brand is hilarious.
I didn’t think that was really funny, personally. I get the sense – from the trailer anyway – that the film’s trying too hard (in terms of outlandishness) and not trying hard enough (in terms of actually averting the expectations of a post-Apatow American comedy). That’s the nature of comedy, I guess.
Thought Brand was one of the few decent parts of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” but his shtick seems a little old if you’ve seen the shows and stand-up routines he has in Britain. Bizarrely, I thought he was funniest in a documentary he did on the Youth British National Party before his star took off.
I think this film looks absolutely hysterical and I can’t wait to see it.