Year One is a hit-or-miss comedy that almost skids by due to distinct character work and the satirical tone. Director Harold Ramis once delivered a string of comedy classics, from Caddyshack to Vacation to Groundhog Day. Unfortunately, this does not live up to that standard by any means.
The film follows two best friends named Zed and Oh, played by Jack Black (Kung Fu Panda) and Michael Cera (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) respectively, who are both outcasts in their tribe. Zed is the clumsy hunter who wants to do more with his life while Oh is a gatherer who is fine with his path, only wishing he could be with the girl he loves. After being banished from their tribe, the two head off on a new adventure that takes them to places they have never imagined. On their journey they discover new inventions and odd characters that help them a long their trip. After a series of mishaps, including becoming slaves, they must battle to protect the woman they desire in the middle of distressful situations.
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The story is set up as a biblical adventure along the lines of Monty Python’s Life of Brian. It is a simplistic story, told, like most studio comedies, with nothing out of the ordinary happening during their journey. At times some of their escapades feel episodic, resembling average SNL skits. A few of those scenes do still work since the elements intact are some what funny. The film includes many biblical and historic references which are the most hilarious parts. Poking fun at history and religion work towards the notable satirical tone throughout the film. Nothing particularly in the storytelling is memorable, leaving us with a by-the-number adventure film that contains a few notable scenes.
The acting is what makes Year One mildly watchable. Black offers his usual shtick of goofiness, and he hasn’t lost his touch. Despite playing the moronic baboon he always plays, Black makes for a likable enough lead. Cera also earns a few laughs with his usual awkward mannerisms. None of their jokes are fresh but some of their jokes still work and the two of them make for a decent comedic pairing. Another plus is the many side characters who grace the screen, courtesy of top-nothc actors such as Oliver Platt and Hank Azaria. All their characters steal scenes, especially Platt, who is constantly hilarious. That being said, some of the minor roles come off as distracting – this includes Paul Rudd and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who aren’t given enough material to work with. They are funny actors but their minor roles are merely underdeveloped cameos.
This is a rather disappointing film coming from Harold Ramis, never reaching the heights of his fullest potential but, thankfully, never reaching the lows of Bedazzled. The veteran writer/actor/director does set the film up right as an adventure film, but the film never lives up to its potential. The first two acts flow on even well while the third act falters. Ramis doesn’t leaves a sense of dissatisfaction with the climax, the end battle comes off rather dull. The pacing also feels off at times when some of the jokes feel forced and episodic. Another issue is all the unnecessary gross-out jokes. All of those scenes for the most part fall flat and do not live up to the other more enjoyable character interactions. This is also a conventionally shot film, not providing enough geography nor a distinct look. The film has a bland look due to this fault. On the upside Ramis does deliver on a few memorable characters despite selling some of them short when it comes to strong material.
This could have been a comedy classic, but instead its just another dismal summer comedy. There are some enjoyable aspects including the unique characters and the historical satire tone, but it falters in the end due to many dull moments and flat jokes. It’s disappointing when considering the talent involved, but this is, at the end of the day, a forgettable comedy.