Review: Year One (2009)

Director: Harold Ramis (Groundhog Day, Analyze This)

Cast: Jack Black (School of Rock, Kung Fu Panda), Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Superbad), Davis Cross (Arrested Development, Kung Fu Panda), Olivia Wilde (House, Alpha Dog), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad, Role Models), Juno Temple, June Diane Raphael, Hank Azaria (The Simpsons, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian), Vinnie Jones (Gone In Sixty Seconds, X-Men: The Last Stand), Oliver Platt (Frost/Nixon), Paul Rudd (Role Models, Knocked Up)

The Deal: Zed (Black), a hunter, and Oh (Cera), a gatherer, are banished from their tribe, so they set out across an ancient world. They meet a tirade of different people from the Bible, as well as visit a fictional Romanesque city. Believing he is God's chosen one, Zed longs to prove himself worthy of wooing Maya (Raphael), while Oh has his eyes set on Eema (Temple). The two get into a bit of trouble, but must work together to help Princess Inanna (Wilde) overthrow the corrupt king.

Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this, not because it's very good, but because it is better than the thrashing I'd heard about it. Many of the jokes fall flat, and the story most of the time serves no purpose other than to show off the hefty list of well known comedic actors. That being said, the film does have a few funny moments, and despite its lack of a strong plot, it still proves to be fairly entertaining.

The one-two punch of Black and Cera was very hit-and-miss throughout the film. The two work well together, bouncing an endless set of one-liners back and forth, some hitting home, while others missed the mark completely. Black, as his usual self, was a bit over-the-top for my liking. It can be funny, but often proves distracting and annoying. Cera is once again type-cast, only this time it's as an awkward "caveman", yet again searching for love. He's good in those roles, but it's the same role he has in every one of his films. Davis Cross got lots of screen time, which made me happy, but his material was hit-and-miss as well. With all of the talent in the film, it was fun to see them all crop up, but the script failed to utilize their full comedic potential.

Let it be known, the humor in the film is quite stupid and childish, to the point where you're laughing and really don't know why you found it funny. Black eating bear poop was mildly funny, but Cera peeing down his face (yes, I did say that correctly) was absolutely hysterical. It was the one scene that truly was funny and memorable from the film. Cera having to give the fat guy an oil rub was supposed to be funny, but I just was grossed out. It was too much.

Verdict: Though mildly entertaining and funny at times, the film is hit-and-miss. Much of the acting talent is wasted, and the plot seems pointless far too often. ☆☆