Reel Critics: Perfect odd couple in ‘Get Him to the Greek’
“Get Him to the Greek” marks Russell Brand’s return as legendary rock god Aldous Snow from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
While this new comedy isn’t quite as hilarious as that 2008 hit, the stars make it worth a look.
Jonah Hill is Aaron Green, a naïve record company rookie assigned to get Aldous from London to L.A. in time for a big comeback concert. Hill, he of the memorable man-crush in “Marshall,” plays a (literally) fully fleshed variation of that character, willing to do anything to keep the talent happy.
Brand and Hill are the perfect odd couple, and their substance-fueled “sexcess” makes you howl as well as groan. Sean “Diddy” Combs is fearlessly funny as Aaron’s boss.
If you want to hear the most deliciously awful rock lyrics since “Spinal Tap,” get yourself to the “Greek.”
‘Splice’ deals with ethics of messing with nature
“Splice” would have us believe that two genetic engineers can look as good as Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody and also think nothing of dicing up human and animal DNA for the benefit of mankind. Didn’t they ever see “Species” or even “Alien” to know that no good can come of this?
No matter, “Splice” is a better than average creep fest that actually churns out some thought about the ethics of messing with nature and not just messy gore. It has a cool sleekness to it and some great special effects.
These modern-day Frankensteins take great pride in bringing up their “baby.” To tell you any more would spoil the spookiness factor, but let’s just say — if they wanted a reliable hybrid, they should have just gotten a Prius.
‘Killers’ has a silly, contrived plot
The screenplay for “Killers” joins Hollywood’s romantic-comedy formula with the spy thriller formula with mixed results. Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl star as a beautiful couple who fall in love not knowing who they really are.
The story begins with Kutcher portraying an undercover killer with James Bond skills. He is well-buffed and pulls off the physical stunts with ease.
But it’s a little hard to see him as believable in a “Mission Impossible” role that’s only played for PG laughs.
He falls in love and marries a babe without telling her about his work life. He tries to leave the international-intrigue business but has a bounty put on his head. Straining all credibility, his frumpy neighbors suddenly reveal that they are also hired assassins ready to kill him and his family.
Many shoot-outs and demolition derby car chases ensue. But the adventure is contrived, and true romance is missing in action.
Nothing rings true. And the silly plot reminds us that many empty heads run the movie studios today.