I’ve always been a fan of “chase” movies. Whether it’s Leo in Catch Me If You Can, Steve in Bullitt or Chevy in anything, the thrill of these films keeps my blood pumping almost as much as my heart does. However, this weekend I was able to see a film that turned the “chase” into more of a “push” with the profound Get Him To The Greek starring Seth Rogen’s little brother and Russell Brand. The film moved me not only literally, but metaphorically as well. I didn’t expect to find a message for Eventualists in a film that revolves around getting something done in a rather quick manner – and I’ve seen and reviewed my share of eventual films to prove me right in most cases. But I stood corrected with this “sort of spin-off” of Forgetting Sarah Marshall (well, not exactly…those theatre seats are not the most ergonomic). But I digress…
Brand plays modern rock icon Aldous Snow, who I declare a true “inaction hero” for his philosophical stance on all things that went on in this fictionalized world. Certainly, Rogen’s younger sibling (who goes by the last name Hill in order to avoid a coattail ride, I assume) had his moments of greatness, but those moments were swayed by Aldous’s own misguided hand. Passively powerful stuff.
For those who have not been to the film, let me give you a rundown of the experience:
I left the house around 45 minutes before the film was to start, but took the long way to the theatre to make an eventual arrival possible. I’m always of two minds about whether to arrive to see all of the pre-film stuff because it adds to the eventual start of the film, or to show up just as the film is about start to show how a film’s start time really means very little in the grand scheme of things. Regardless of which way I go, I “snack up” beforehand – this evening was no different. I settled into my seat (the middle of a row to make it more difficult to get in and/or out) and got ready for a fine evening of entertainment that was sure to be fine.
After the film, I took the long way home and went to bed at around 2 am, right after thinking about writing about the film but not actually doing it until now. All in all, a big thumbs up.
One thing really stayed with me – two if you count the stickiness on my shoes. There was a great lyric in one of Snow’s songs that is quite poetic. Sure, it also rhymed…but I’m talking about inspirationally poetic:
“When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke the furry walls.”
These words resonated like Churchill’s – or Chamberlain’s (Neville or Wilt, really). Basically, I interpreted these words to mean that if the world gives you a raw deal then you should make the best of it. I really can’t see how anyone could interpret it otherwise. The fact that this quote came at the end of the film made it all the more eventual…and all the more profound.
So, I’d get yourself to a theatre so you can catch Get Him To The Greek before it eventually gets gone. Missing it would be like slipping yourself a Jeffrey that could only be healed through a lot of furry wall stroking.
