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What do “Meet the Fockers,” “There’s Something About Mary” and “Zoolander” all have in common? Easy: A hilarious Ben Stiller.
This next one is tougher. What do the other half (respectively) of Ben Stiller’s films have in common? A not-so-hilarious Ben Stiller.
In perhaps a move of desperation or simply a yearning to expand, I’m very pleased to announce Stiller’s first serious film, “Greenberg.” In addition to the already promising review, I am also very impressed that he was involved with some favorites of mine, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.
“Greenberg” follows the sad story of Roger Greenberg (Stiller) who was recently released from a psychiatric hospital on the grounds that he could now feel his legs again, although nothing was ever wrong with them.
Greenberg’s only purpose in life at this point is to do absolutely nothing and try to feel good about it. Apathetic to his plan is Gerwig (“Nights and Weekends,” “Hannah Takes the Stairs,” “Baghead”) who falls for the aging man despite their alarming age gap.
Baumbach has directed favorites of mine, such as “The Squid and the Whale” and “Margot at the Wedding,” so it comes as no surprise that I loved this one as well. All the indie kids are going to enjoy this as well, as James Murphy, mastermind behind LCD Soundsystem, did the entire music score for the film.
Brie Larson, from the hilariously witty “United States of Tara,” couldn’t have started her big-screen career in a better way. Larson’s rebellious side contrasted perfectly as Stiller’s neice, making the introverted Greenberg turn into a coked-up party monster.
Fellow mumble-core actor Mark Duplass (“Humpday,” “The Puffy Chair”) also made a small, awkward cameo which was well welcomed.
At times like these, I could only laugh in hopes that this situation wouldn’t get more awkward. And then, of course, it would happen. The majority of the film focused on Stiller’s awkward behavior that really impressed me with a talent I’ve never seen before. Notice how I’ve used the word “awkward” three times so far. It is because that is honestly where the majority of this movie spends its time.
Likewise, the movie also provided some unexpected one-liners that, although they won’t be as popular as the Superbad phrases, have already built itself into my vocabulary.
In a hopeful plea, I sincerely hope Stiller reads this and realizes that he definitely does not need to make another “Night at the Museum.” “Greenberg” will be released March 26 in limited theaters.
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