Year One is based on the classic "journey" or Odyssey-eque story. Comparing a movie starring Jack Black to Homer seems a little unfair, but it does follow two ancient fellows as they journey towards a common destination. Although riddled with fart jokes, boob jokes, lesbian jokes, sex jokes (you get the picture), "Year One" has found itself something in common with Jessica Simpson: they are both smarter than they pretend to be.
Not Your Average Teen Flick
The new film, which hit theatres June 19th, cleverly interweaves Old Testament lore almost seamlessly with its penis jokes, truly making this something everyone can enjoy (whether they will or not is another question entirely). Through the awkward Michael Cera and lusty Jack Black's quest to find their lady loves who were stolen from their Neanderthal-like village to become slaves in the ancient predecessor to Las Vegas, Sodom and Gomorrah, we meet several well known Bible characters. But Bible devotees beware, they aren't your typical Sunday school versions of the story.
While the movie, of course, must insert some frat boy humor (such as Adam and Eve's daughter Lillith explaining in detail that she prefers to have sex with women), it cleverly offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the ancient world with a modern twist. For example, what kind of friend would Cain of Cain and Abel fame make after he killed his own brother? What did the Israelites say to Abraham when he first suggested they become circumcized? And what would an onlooker think if he came across Abraham tying his only son, Isaac, to a rock to sacrifice to God? The results are some pretty hilarious one-liners that would be missed entirely on an audience who is not familiar with the Old Testament. But I guess if they miss the references, they will have a pubic hair joke coming in a couple of minutes.
The Verdict
Crude humor aside (such as Michael Cera's character spending the night with a flatulent Seth, Adam and Eve's third son), this movie actually delivers more shining moments than it promised it would in the trailer. Rarely does a comedy of such caliber actually surprisingly delight its audience. The film is worth it, if you're a fan of Michael Cera's awkward teenager act (which I suspect will be over fairly soon) and don't mind a few eunuch jokes here and there. While it is by no means a must see feature, it will certainly be a great one to pop in the DVD player in a few months to chase away those winter blues.
WHAT: Year One
WHO: Jack Black, Michael Cera, Horatio Sanz, Hank Azaria, Olivia Wilde, Paul Rudd
WHEN: Theatres Nationwide on June 19th
RUNTIME: 97 minutes
MPAA RATING: R
Tova Sertel - T. Sertel is an educator, writer and blogger.
