Catching Up On What I Missed

Over the course of the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to catch up on some films that I have missed. Here are my quick takes:

"Get Him to the Greek": This sequel-of-sorts to the hysterical 2008 comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is 109 minutes of absolute chaos, and I mean that as a compliment. The great Russell Brand reprises his role as drug-addicted rock star Aldous Snow, and the very funny Jonah Hill plays the man responsible for bringing the wild rock star from London to Los Angeles in time for a special anniversary concert. Brand and Hill have terrific comic rapport, and Sean "Diddy" Combs is very funny as an egotistical record executive. "Get Him to the Greek" is hit-and-miss, often relying too heavily on cheap physical shtick. But even though this movie does not match the excellence of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", it is still a hilariously raunchy gem.

"Orphan": This 2009 horror movie is surprisingly involving, genuinely scary, and superbly acted. It is inevitable that a movie about an orphan from hell is bound to tread in some familiar waters, but "Orphan" does an admirable job of sidestepping cliches, for the most part. The movie does derail in its final act, as the climax is based on a somewhat laughable plot twist. But overall, I was thrilled throughout "Orphan", thanks in large part to the outstanding performances from Vera Farmiga, Peter Saarsgard, and Isabelle Fuhrman as the murderous orphan from hell.

"Role Models": This hard-R comedy starring Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott as two guys forced into being a Big Brother to two seemingly difficult kids is one of the funniest films in recent memory. Rudd (who also co-wrote the film) and Scott are hilarious, as is the great Jane Lynch in a priceless supporting role. In addition to delivering enormous laughs, "Role Models" also features moments of surprising heart and tenderness, all of which feel authentic.

"Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay": Ok, so I have already recommended two extremely raunchy comedies in "Get Him to the Greek" and "Role Models". Here comes a third raunchy comedy. However, unlike those two aforementioned films, "H & K Escape From Guantanamo Bay" is not funny at all. In fact, this is one of the most desperately unfunny, disgustingly offensive movies I have ever seen. In the words of the great Roger Ebert, I hated hated hated hated hated hated this movie.


So there you have it. I think "Role Models", "Orphan", and "Get Him to the Greek" are well worth your time. But please, whatever you do, stay away from the horrific "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay".