Film Flashback: Get Him to the Greek (2010)

It’s rare that a sequel to a successful comedy manages a successful spin-off, but while not the comedic masterpiece of its predecessor,  “Get Him to the Greek” does a good enough job retaining the same spirit of fun. 

Arguably the biggest revelation in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was Russell Brand’s hedonistic rock star Aldous Snow, whose carefree demeanor, sex-charged attitude and song lyrics such as ‘Inside of You,’ provided some of the film’s best scenes.

Popping in every 15 minutes or so to deliver some laughs is much different than being the film’s headliner, but Brand holds up his end and Director/Screenwriter Nicholas Stoller smartly follows the formula he utilized so well with ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and surrounds Brand with a capable ensemble.

Aldous has rekindled his romance with his old flame, Jackie Q (Rose Byrne, ‘Knowing’), a pop starlet famous for naughty lyrics and suggestive behavior. Aldous has abstained from drugs or alcohol for seven years, but it’s made him a bore to Jackie, who breaks up with him on national TV sending him spiraling into a wave of self-destructive behavior that would impress even Lindsey Lohan. [2012 FF: How sad is the fact that that joke’s still relevant?]

Playing up on Aldous’ celebrity status, the film features cameos from a slew of celebrities, including Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry and Pink. The film is a clever satire of America’s near obsession in watching the rise and colossal fall of celebrities.

With Aldous’ once bright star fading, a well-meaning music studio intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) convinces his overbearing boss Sergio (recording exec/artist Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs not exactly playing against type) to set up a concert celebrating the 10^th anniversary of Aldous’ biggest live performance at L.A.’s Greek Theater. The only problem is he has to lure Aldous away from the drugs, parties and scores of groupies long enough to get to the concert. Brand definitely has the privileged rock-star mindset down and Hill is the ideal straight-laced foil for him.

True, Diddy might not be acting so much as playing an exaggerated version of himself, but his Sergio is the standout character and consistently provides some of the biggest laughs.

The film’s final act and it’s the one instance where the scenes just doesn’t work and Stoller sticks with them like a guy explaining why his joke is funny. It’s not enough to derail the film, but it’s also the scenes you’re most likely going to fast-forward through when watching it again at home. 

“Get Him to the Greek” isn’t a classic comedy that you haven’t lived until you see it, but it’s more than good enough for a few, goofy laughs.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10