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The Vow

A saccharine and paint-by-numbers slice of romance, which is largely boosted by the appeal of its two leads.

Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (3D)

The under-utilised 3D adds little to this prequel, which only serves as a sore reminder of the brilliance of the original films.

Any Questions For Ben?

The talented bunch of actors ably cut through the surface gloss, but it’s tough to remain invested in the plight of the self-absorbed lead.

Shame

It starts off as brutal but arresting stuff, and the two lead performances are scorching, but disappointingly dissolves into a case of tragedy for the sake of tragedy.

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Get Him To The Greek (Film)

by Erin Free | June 15, 2010 16:02 | Edited June 15, 2010 16:03

Full of laughs and crazy antics, this enjoyably wild ride always manages to remain grounded in the reality of its characters.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall was one of the best comedies of 2009, a rough-cut gem filled with nearly as much heart and warmth as it was dirty jokes and barbed characterisations. One of the best things about this tale of romantic grief was supporting player and superstar British comedian Russell Brand, who made a massive stateside splash as the imperious Aldous Snow, a newly sober rock star with an insatiable sex drive and the between-the-sheets ability to match.

 

In a smart move, Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller has opted to give Aldous Snow his own movie, and in an even smarter move, he's opted to throw him off the wagon.

 

When we meet Aldous Snow in Get Him To The Greek, his career is in the toilet after the release of his disastrous album "African Child." As a result, Aldous is back on the gear, inhaling drugs and alcohol by the case-load and watching his life unravel. He gets a shot at redemption, however, when young record company executive Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) encourages his bullish boss (Sean Combs) to stage an Aldous Snow comeback concert at LA's famous Greek Theater. Charged with getting Aldous from London to the US, the in-way-above-his-head Aaron is soon being tempted with narcotics, loose women, and more than just a taste of the rock star lifestyle.

 

Boasting the improvisational flair for which producer Judd Apatow (Superbad, Knocked Up) has become famous, Get Him To The Greek is an enjoyably wild ride. Russell Brand brilliantly manages to make Aldous sympathetic despite his hideous trespasses, while Jonah Hill never allows his buttoned-down character to become a doormat.

 

Boldly enlivened by its risque, full-force approach to drugs and sex, Get Him To The Greek is comedy gold, but it's the film's serious centre (principally its commentary on addiction and relationships) that makes it even more memorable.