Review: Get Him To The Greek

The spin-off is a funny thing. Spin-offs usually focus on a character from another show or movie, one that was a favorite of fans and sometimes even stole the show. Some work well (Laverne and Shirley), and some fall flat (Joey). In the end, it's all about being able to place the central character in their own situation or environment where they can stand on their own, where we are interested in their story and they keep us entertained. Of course, it's also important to have new characters that we like.

Get Him To The Greek is a new spin-off film that features Aldous Snow, the ridiculous, scene-stealing rock star from the great 2008 comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall.


So, does it live up to the hype and work as a spin off? Read on to find out...



Get Him To Greek tells the story of Aaron Green (Jonah Hill), a young man who works for a major record company under Sergio (played oddly well by P. Diddy). He's an ambitious guy who is dating an even more ambitious woman (played by Elisabeth Moss), and a huge fan of Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) and Infant Sorrow. Sergio calls his staff in for a meeting and tells them they need something fresh to bring revenue back up. Most people want to sign new acts, but Aaron suggests having a reunion concert at the Greek for the 10 year anniversary of Infant Sorrow's gig at the same place. Sergio agrees, but assigns Aaron the task of escorting Aldous from London to the Greek Theater in LA.

The problem? Aldous is a party animal, a junkie who drinks all day with only his mother as a friend. Naturally, this provides the set up for a whacky, bump road trip that doesn't even kind of go to plan. So does it work?

We're in for a looooong trip...

Luckily, yes! The film manages to keep the plot funny and fresh thanks to lots of hilarious partying and shenanigans of all sorts, in what actually feels like a tone similar to sex, drug, and rock n roll comedies like Animal House. Brand is hilarious once again as Aldous Snow, playing him as a unapologetic, wild, unpredictable rock star. Hill is great as Green, the more straight-laced foil to Snow's rock star. There are a few allusions to Forgetting Sarah Marshall, including an appearance from Sarah herself in a tongue-in-cheek promo for her new series.

I won't go into any more detail because I don't want to give away the funniest moments of the film, but I will say that it is every bit as funny as people are saying it is. Amazingly, P. Diddy steals the scenes he's in. Sounds crazy right? As it turns out, he's hilarious, and has some of the best moments of the film.

Bottom Line: If you're a fan of Brand, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, or just fun, raunchy comedies, check out Get Him To The Greek. You won't be disappointed.

Grade: B