Review of “An American Pickle” (2020): A Unique Blend of Comedy and Heart
“An American Pickle,” directed by Brandon Trost and released in 2020, is a comedic film that offers a blend of humor, heart, and a touch of absurdity. Starring Seth Rogen in dual roles, the film explores themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience through a unique and imaginative premise.
Plot Overview
The story follows Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen), a struggling laborer who immigrates to America in 1919 with dreams of building a better life for his family. After falling into a vat of pickles at his factory job, Herschel is accidentally preserved for 100 years. He awakens in modern-day Brooklyn, where he discovers that his only surviving relative is his great-grandson, Ben Greenbaum (also played by Seth Rogen), a mild-mannered app developer. As Herschel navigates the complexities of the modern world, he and Ben must find common ground despite their vastly different outlooks on life.
Performance and Direction
Seth Rogen delivers a standout performance, convincingly portraying both Herschel and Ben with distinct personalities and emotional depth. His portrayal of Herschel captures the character’s old-world values and resilience, while his performance as Ben highlights the struggles of a modern individual trying to make his mark in the tech world. The chemistry between the two characters, both played by Rogen, drives the film’s humor and emotional core.
Brandon Trost, in his directorial debut, successfully balances the film’s comedic elements with its more poignant moments. Trost’s direction ensures that the narrative remains engaging and cohesive, despite the film’s fantastical premise. The film’s pacing and visual style complement the story, creating an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
Cinematography and Production Design
The cinematography by John Guleserian effectively contrasts the early 20th-century setting with the vibrant and bustling modern-day Brooklyn. The production design brings both eras to life, with detailed and authentic sets that enhance the film’s comedic and nostalgic elements. The use of practical effects and makeup to age Herschel and depict his century-long preservation is particularly noteworthy.
Themes and Symbolism
“An American Pickle” explores themes of family legacy, cultural heritage, and the immigrant experience. The film delves into the challenges and triumphs of adapting to new environments while maintaining one’s identity and values. Herschel’s journey symbolizes the resilience and determination of immigrants who strive to build better lives for their descendants. The film also touches on the idea of generational differences and the importance of understanding and appreciating one’s roots.
Critical Reception
“An American Pickle” received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 73%, with critics praising Rogen’s dual performance and the film’s heartfelt narrative. On Metacritic, it has a score of 58 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film has an approval rating of 73%, with critics highlighting its humor and emotional depth.
- Metacritic: With a score of 58, the film is seen as having mixed or average reviews, with some criticism for its uneven tone but appreciation for its originality and charm.
Streaming Availability
“An American Pickle,” the film is available on various streaming platforms in the United States:
- HBO Max: Available for streaming with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“An American Pickle” is a unique and entertaining film that combines humor and heart with a fantastical premise. Seth Rogen’s dual performance and Brandon Trost’s balanced direction make it a compelling watch. While it may have an uneven tone at times, the film’s exploration of family, identity, and the immigrant experience resonates deeply.
