“An American Pickle” is a quirky comedy starring Seth Rogen as both a traditional Jewish immigrant and his modern-day, millennial descendant. The former falls into a vat of pickles and wakes up 100 years later, while the latter struggles to find his place in the world. The two navigate their different worlds and ultimately find common ground in family and tradition, all while delivering plenty of punches along the way.
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Review
Have you ever heard the phrase, “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone?” Well, that sentiment is put on full display in the movie “An American Pickle,” directed by Brandon Trost and starring Seth Rogen. The film, which is based on Simon Rich’s novella “Sell Out,” tells the story of Herschel Greenbaum, an immigrant who falls into a vat of pickles and is perfectly preserved for 100 years. When he wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn, he meets his great-grandson Ben Greenbaum, and together they navigate the very different world they find themselves in.
The plot of “An American Pickle” is unique to say the least. It combines elements of science fiction and comedy to create a story that is both heartwarming and hilarious at the same time. The movie is a commentary on family, tradition, and the immigrant experience. It highlights how hard it can be to hold onto one’s identity in a new country while still adapting to change.
The film stars Seth Rogen as both Herschel and Ben Greenbaum. Rogen gives an outstanding performance as both characters, showcasing his range as an actor. He captures Herschel’s old-world sensibilities perfectly while still portraying Ben as a modern-day millennial struggling with his own identity.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition for their performances. Sarah Snook portrays Herschel’s wife Sarah Greenbaum with emotional depth that adds layers to her character beyond just being a loving wife. Sean Whalen plays Herschel’s boss Mr Gorfinkle with enough quirkiness to make him memorable without taking away from the main characters.
One aspect of the film that stood out was its score by composer Michael Giacchino. The music fits perfectly with each scene, evoking emotions ranging from nostalgia to heartbreak to triumph. The score adds another layer of depth to the film that makes it an even more enjoyable experience.
The cinematography in “An American Pickle” is also impressive. The film makes great use of its Brooklyn locations, showcasing the city in a way that is both beautiful and authentic. The movie’s color palette is bright and vibrant, reflecting Herschel’s old-world sensibilities while still fitting in with the modern-day setting.
Aside from its technical aspects, the movie also has some interesting facts surrounding its production. “An American Pickle” was originally set to be released in theaters but was moved to HBO Max due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision ultimately led to the film being seen by a larger audience than it would have if it had gone through a traditional theatrical release.
In terms of critical reception, opinions on the movie have been mixed. Some critics praised Rogen’s performance and the film’s unique plot, while others found it predictable and lacking in substance. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, one thing is clear: “An American Pickle” is a movie that polarizes audiences.
Overall, “An American Pickle” is an engaging and creative film that combines elements of science fiction, comedy, and drama into a unique story about family and tradition. It features standout performances from Seth Rogen and Sarah Snook, along with excellent music and cinematography. While it may not be for everyone, there’s no denying that this movie offers something new and different for those looking for something fresh in their viewing experience.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 89
- Release : 2020-07-26
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Seth Rogen as Herschel Greenbaum / Ben Greenbaum, Sarah Snook as Sarah Greenbaum, Molly Evensen as Clara, Eliot Glazer as Christian, Kalen Allen as Kevin
- Crew : Francine Maisler as Casting, Lisa Zeno Churgin as Editor, Seth Rogen as Producer, William Arnold as Production Design, Lynn Kressel as Local Casting
- Popularity 15.735
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Point Grey Pictures, Gravitational Productions, Warner Max
- Summary : An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn. He learns his only surviving relative is his great grandson, a computer coder who he can’t connect with.
- Tagline : A story of self preservation
