Movie Review: “Year One”

Seen on: June 17, 2009

The players: Director: Harold Ramis, Writers: Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg, Harold Ramis, Cast: Jack Black, Michael Cera, Oliver Platt, David Cross, Hank Azaria

Facts of interest: Ramis also directed "The Ice Harvest," "Groundhog Day" and "Analyze This."

The plot: Jack Black and Michael Cera play two idiotic cavemen who are banished from their village and embark on a long voyage to dangerous places.

Our thoughts: Jack Black and Michael Cera travel back in time in Harold Ramis’ latest comedy “Year One,” but sadly enough, their big-screen journey across ancient times isn’t exactly as hilarious as it sounds. The recurrence of cheap, brainless humor and the lack of a proper story line cause plenty of damage to the plot, putting the film’s chances to score with large audiences in serious jeopardy.

Black and Cera star as Zed and Oh, two clumsy cavemen who are banished from their village after Zed fools around with the forbidden fruit. Searching for a new meaning in their primitive lives, the two friends embark on an adventurous journey that will lead them to a bunch of threatening places inhabited by some really awkward characters.

Sure, it all sounds pretty funny, but to tell you the truth, I didn’t really find anything remotely hilarious in “Year One,” a mediocre comedy that periodically succeeds at poking fun at biblical stories but mostly fails to deliver solid jokes that actually cause big laughs. I admit I smiled a few times during the film’s 97 minutes, but for the most part, I didn’t even move a muscle.

Cinemagoers finding pleasure in monotonous toilet jokes, however, may get a kick or two out of “Year One.” Believe it or not, but here’s a movie in which Jack Black’s character actually eats poop. Yes, you read right: poop. And if that’s not enough, the film also offers a series of fart jokes, in addition to several other crass moments. Yeah, it’s that kind of movie.

I don’t know what Ramis and “The Office” regulars Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg were thinking when they wrote the script, but somewhere along the way they forgot to tell a story. All Zed and Oh do in the film is stumble from one awkward moment into another, and none of their escapades is really intriguing enough to follow.

What eventually saves “Year One” from slipping into boredom is the film’s all-star cast. Black plays his usual routine, and although he’s not as energetic as he could be, he works quite well with Cera, who plays a major role in the flick’s few refreshing moments. By far the funniest character here is Hank Azaria’s Abraham, who’s wild about circumcising every male he encounters.

Ramis lined up a bunch of familiar faces for his side roles, including some Judd Apatow regulars. Christopher Mintz-Plasse plays Isaac, but his character is clearly underused. Then there’s Oliver Platt, who tries a little too hard as a High Priest who openly displays his sexual interest for young men. Vinnie Jones, Paul Rudd, David Cross and Olivia Wilde co-star as well.

Freaky quote: "I've seen what you do with your right hand. No, thank you." – Michael Cera

The final word: “Year One” is by no means a complete waste of time, but it clearly fails to deliver the provocative, hilarious humor we’ve seen in recent comedies such as “I Love You, Man” or “The Hangover.” Black and Cera clearly try to make their gags work, but in the end, most of their efforts fall rather flat.

Article by Franck Tabouring