Release: June 17

Running time: 109 minutes

Rating: MA 15+ (Strong Sexual References, Drug References and Coarse Language)

In Nicholas Stoller's follow up film to his 2008 Apatow produced hit Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Russell Brand returns reprising his role as a notorious rock star: Aldous Snow, who’s career is looking rather grim after the release of his latest album with a song that perhaps even worse than the title 'African Child'. Enter Jonah Hill (Superbad), not repeating his role as the crazed super-fan in Sarah Marshall, but as Aaron Green, a junior record executive , who suggests an Aldous Snow anniversary concert to save the singer and the record company he works for from further commercial failure. His pitch is initially shut down, but a month later, after we have a glimpse into Green’s home life, which mainly consists of no sex and Gossip Girl marathons with his girlfriend Daphne (played by Mad Men star Elizabeth Moss), Green is set the task of getting Snow from London to the Greek theatre in time for his performance.

The main problem with the film is the first half hour. Too much happens and Snow comes off as a conniving jerk to the poor Aaron Green. Unlike his character in Sarah Marshall, where time was spent away from him, allowing the audience to breathe, Snow's annoying persona just becomes too much. The constant flight delays do get a little tedious, as we all know that he will get to the Greek from the film’s trailers. Although once Aldous and Aaron reach the US, the film becomes stronger.

What follows is a fairly entertaining romp, with the best part of the film being the “furry wall” sequence. Let’s just say that drugs are better than hugs, especially when you have Jonah Hill on them, with a crazed Sean Combs (That’s P.Diddy to all you home boys), playing his boss, Sergio Roma, chasing after him.

All the performances are very strong in Get Him to the Greek, with the stand-out being our very own Rose Byrne playing Aldous’ former partner, Jackie Q. She manages to “out-crazy” Russell Brand in all of their scenes together. I’m really hoping that the threequel focuses on either her or Mr. T. Russell Brand does get to stretch his dramatic acting skills towards the end of the film, and he does very well for Russell Brand.

Writer/Director Stoller clearly loves all his characters, and they all have very satisfying pay-offs in the last act of the film. He’s created a very funny but authentic look behind the scenes of the music industry, with even a little darkness towards the end.

VERDICT: Distinction

Jack Savige