Theatrical Reviews

Studio:
Warner Bros   

What’s It About:
A Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe, who is starting his new life in America, finds his life touched by tragedy after his is accidentally pickled, only to wake up 100 years later.   

Who’s In It?
Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, Steve Jobs, Bad Neighbours)
Sarah Snook (Steve Jobs, The Dressmaker, Succession)   

Director: Brandon Trost (debut)   

Audiences Expect:
First time director Brandon Trost delivers a thoughtful comedy about roots and heritage. With Seth Rogen playing the two lead roles, the film sees a Jewish immigrant leave Eastern Europe for a fresh start in America.
With a kid on the way, Herschel Greenbaum works his fingers to the bone in a pickling factory, until he suffers the tragic misfortune of falling into a vat of pickles, and being preserved for 100 years.
Fast forward a century, and Herschel tracks down his great grandson Ben, a frustrated app developer. The two initially hit it off, before falling out big time in a variety of ways including through social media.
Seth Rogen is excellent in both roles, mixing the comedy and emotion perfectly, and Sarah Snook excels as his wife in an all-too-brief role.  

In A Nutshell:
Seemingly raucous with a fish out of water premise & dual roles, it is in fact a thoughtful, touching comedy.  

Highlight:
Strong dual performance from Seth Rogen
Unexpected and touching story arc   

Lowpoint:
The story is a little uneven Sarah Snook is given too little screen time