Year One.

IMPORT-

Went to my pre-noon show this morning and checked out YEAR ONE, the new Harold Ramis movie. I say it's the new Harold Ramis movie because that seemed to be the lock behind this film being a solid one. That however, did not work out. 

There were parts of this movie that were funny, parts. It also had some great cameos from Hank Azaria, Oliver Platt, and David Cross. And big ups for David Pasquesi for being able to make his appearance in two scenes memorable and coming up with something to do. I can't say the same for Jack Black. He's just Jack Black, bombastic energy combined with being loud, and an abundance of facial expressions. I'm starting to think he may not be suited to be the lead in many of these movies because after a while he just seems to get a bit annoying. Michael Cera plays Michael Cera in this as he has in everything else he has been in. Not to say that it wasn't funny, but not enough to keep interest for 90 mins. Two movies of the past come to mind when thinking of this movie, Mel Brooks' History of the World and Python's Holy Grail. Holy Grail did two things great, first off it was a great satire of the times and religion, and the other was it was just hilarious on top of it all. History of the World was much like Year One. Just a bunch of bits strung together almost like sketches with no overall story to speak of. Many movies have gotten away with such things, but they were also much funnier than this. Year One seemed to rely on dick jokes much more. I have nothing against dick jokes, but they are much better as extra jokes than the sole joke in a scene. 

So I can't recommend seeing this in the theatres, and can only give a maybe to renting it. Go see the HANGOVER instead, and make sure you rent I LOVE YOU MAN first.