Getting fired from his gig as an MTV VJ in 2001 hardly put Russell Brand [RBRAN] back into anonymity. Instead, the comedian became one of the most well known faces to come out of the UK in the new century. He first gained notice in the U.S. in 2008’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall where he stole the film playing the rock star Aldous Snow. The film’s popularity helped Brand spinoff his character into the lead role for the film Get Him to the Greek [GHGRK], which comes out this weekend.
As the film begins, Aldous Snow is shunned after a failed attempt at a socially conscious song. Dealing with the fallout, he engages in heavy drinking and drug taking which prompts his girlfriend, played by Rose Byrne [RBYRN], to take custody of their son and leave him. Snow sees his career and life fall apart.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, a young intern at Capitol Records, played by Jonah Hill [JHILL], is charged with bringing Snow to LA for an anniversary performance at the Greek Theater. He begins a frantic journey to collect the drug-addled Snow for a performance that can save Capitol Records as well as salvage the rock star’s dead career. Snow in turn gets the intern to loosen up as they embark on a 72-hour adventure from London to LA.
So far the 2010 summer blockbuster season has disappointed with several big budget productions. Perhaps a comedy is what moviegoers are waiting for. Hill and Brand both get a chance to lead Get Him to the Greek. The film hopes to become this year’s Hangover, which may or may not happen. It offers the kind of adventure and humor that has yet to appear in theaters this season. When they shine, both Hill and Brand can be hilarious. The two should deliver several of those moments in Get Him to the Greek.
Tag(s): RBRAN, GHGRK, RBYRN, JHILL