The year is 1919 and Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen) has met and married the love of his life, Sarah (Sarah Snook), moved to America and gotten a job killing rats at a pickle factory in Brooklyn. That very same year, in the factory that he believes will lead his family to great things, Herschel falls into a vat of pickles, becoming pickled himself in the newly condemned building. With the pickling process somehow perfectly preserving Herschel, he wakes up one-hundred years later in a world that is significantly different than what he remembers. Shortly after his return he meets his great-grandson, Ben (also played by Rogen). As Ben attempts to help Herschel assimilate to the new and unfamiliar world, the two butt heads, leading to a series of unfortunate events and leaving them in An American Pickle.
Seth Rogen has been known to admit that his films are stupid, but that he will continue to produce them for as long as has viewers. With that in mind it seems like An American Pickle falls into the same category as Superbad, This Is the End and Sausage Party. The premise of the film is ridiculous, and, honestly, should not warrant a following like it ultimately will. Yet, like the aforementioned films, An American Pickle possesses levels of depth that may not initially be visible to viewers, but become relevant and accessible as the film progresses. Rogen clearly understands that the nonsensical content at the surface of the story will attract audiences, while the deeper meanings will allow them to remain engaged throughout the film.
Initially, there are aspects of the film that must be overlooked in order to appreciate what is to come (and, to be honest, there are many instances like this strewn throughout the film). An American Pickle is inconsistent in its explanation of many of the things that take place, making certain aspects of the film, regardless of how ridiculous they are meant to be, a bit difficult to accept. If viewers are able to look past these discrepancies, it is certainly possible for them to appreciate the subtle humor and the family-driven story.
Even with the plot of the film being clear, it comes as a bit of surprise that it is the idea of family that drives An American Pickle. Writer Simon Rich, director Brandon Trost and Rogen are able to express the difficulties that come with family, but even better express the importance of having family in your life. The back and forth between Rogen and himself (Ben and Herschel) puts a smile on viewers’ faces and keeps them engaged. The banter is often witty and is perpetually relevant to the disconnect between the current generations, allowing viewers to relate to the content and the struggles of the two protagonists.
Rogen, not necessarily known for being the most apt actor in Hollywood (while still serviceable in the films he is typically a part of), puts on the performance of his career playing two polar opposite individuals. While this is certainly not an Oscar-worthy performance, Rogen seems to step out of his comfort zone and portray characters unlike anything he has in the past. An American Pickle sees Rogen find new life and present this previously unrealized potential like never before.
Even with this performance, however, it is the content of the film that allows audiences to remain engaged, appreciate the struggles of the characters and come to a better understanding of the world around us. Rich and Trost develop a meaningful story that still attracts the typical Rogen-esque audience. There are some oversights present that turn audiences off to certain aspects of the film, but An American Pickle possesses verve and character, making it better than expected. Passion, humor and depth round out An American Pickle. Expect a lot from Rogen, but don’t expect his usual, laugh-out-loud humor, An American Pickle is for subtle humor and laid-back audiences.
Directed by Brandon Trost. Written by Simon Rich. Starring Seth Rogen, Seth Rogen, Sarah Snook, Molly Evensen, Eliot Glazer, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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