The idea of a movie about Seth Rogen playing a guy who submerges out of a vat of pickle brine after a hundred years most likely doesn’t sound entirely appealing. Throw in the fact, the movie then follows Rogen playing the great-grandson of the pickle brine guy and it’s an odd concept. It’s a new HBO Max film and I decided to turn it on. What I found was an endearing story about rediscovering your family’s roots. As well as forging your own path toward success.
Slight Spoilers
As stated previously, Rogen plays two characters. Hershel is an Ashkenazi laborer who immigrates to America in 1920. Wanting to provide a good life for himself, his wife, and his descendants, he looks to work hard. An accident leaves him in a vat of pickle brine up until 2020. Where he’s discovered and introduced to his only living relative. His great-grandson Ben. The two Greenbaum men are totally different. One from an older time where things were done differently then they are now. Another a modern-day freelancer whose profession baffles his great-grandfather.
After a disagreement between the two leaves Hershel to believe Ben has dishonored their family, the two separate. Initially, Hershel creates a successful pickle brining business. While the app Benn has been working towards for five years is failing. Jealous and angry, Ben does everything he can to take Hershel down. This includes calling the health department. As well as introducing Hershel to Twitter. Knowing his great-grandfather would say some off-the-cuff things that would tarnish his public image.
Rating: 4/5
After some time in the film, the two come to an understanding of each other. And it’s a really pleasant film that doesn’t feel at all far-fetched. You quickly stop thinking about the fact that it would be impossible for someone to remain preserved in pickle brine and be walking and talking after a hundred years. Seth Rogen is great as both characters and nothing about the story comes off obnoxious or even too much like a comedy. In fact, it’s so far removed from movies we’re so used to with Rogen. It’s a really enjoyable movie that I found myself very impressed with.
An American Pickle is available on HBO Max now. I seriously suggest watching it.
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