On the eve of my final BA exam, I did what every studious individual does...I procrastinated!. By about midday, as you might expect, my tobacco supply was running at a level less than sufficient, but alas, I hadn't the necessary motivation to nip down the shop and buy a packet of my beloved B&H (other ciggies are available). So, I was in desperate need to take my mind off of my favorite vice. I decided to watch a movie, this was under the impression that I would eventually feel the guilt of loitering my chair and bedroom and go for a short stroll to an siopa, therefore I watched a film. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, to be precise. To be honest, I enjoy Nick Stoller's films, but was unsure as to how the acting talents of Russell Brand would fit Stoller's genre of cinema. Needless to say, I was baffled like you would imagine a swan would be after laying a strikingly large egg. The movie started out somwehat forward, less than 6 minutes into the film and we had already seen a happy Peter (Jason Segel) turn into a fully frontal nude and broken hearted shell of a man as well as this we saw Aldios Snow's Infant Sorrow hit video "We've got to do something", despite this, the movie looked like a bit of a bomb. Without ruining the movie for anyone, I would simply say that the film, in retrospect, was probably the best comedy to have been released so far this year. Segel and Mila Kunis were especially funny whereas Kristen Bell was a little hollow. Although, one can only suspect that this was how Stoller had planned.
The real pleasant surprises came from the somewhat minor roles of Jonah Hill (who plays a waiter in worship of Snow and becomes the most amazingly funny suck up I have ever witnessed) and Russell Brand. In fairness, Brand in many respects steals the show. While Segel, the lead actor was, as one might expect, brilliant, Brand was beyond superb. His delivery of lines and famous nomenclature left me in awe of the endless talents this man seems to possess. For those who have seen the film, I am sure you will agree that the catchphrase for the summer shall be
"I was going to do it, but then I just kept on living my life" , I find it a line that will remain as one of the great Stoller classic phrases...you know what i'm talking about. Most of the truly funny stuff that occurs in the film is very subtle, however one does not need to watch this film twice to be rendered hysterical at times.
Since I finished watching this movie, I have spoken with three friends, all avid moviegoers, who all agree that potentially this film could become a cult classic in the ranks of
There's Something About Mary and
Superbad. While Segel and Hill will undoubtedly be seen in the near future in other movies from their repertior, Brand will hopefully not allow the glitz of Hollywood suck him into second rate gratuitous comic roles such as the path that Ben Stiller has fallen down. Let's hope he sticks to his newly grown roots and capitalises on his ability to make quirky so-called post-teen grossout comedies as appealling as ever.
