My Favorite Greek

A few weeks ago my daughter, young Galadriel Tanqueray Onassis, wanted me to take her to see "Get Him To The Greek" so of course I did.

Yeah, yeah I know. It's a totally inappropriate father/daughter "quality time" movie. Yes, there were some awkward moments. But after taking her to see "Watchmen" with its multiple Dr. Manhattans, this was like a Doris Day and Rock Hudson movie.

It was a very funny movie, but it reminded me an awful lot of another movie.

In "Get Him To The Greek", Aaron Green (Jonah Hill) is an ambitious young guy trying to make his name in the music industry. Aldous Snow (Russell Brand)is a once great rock idol who is now a washed up, drugged-out, womanizing, has-been who is now TERRIFIED at the prospect of performing in public after a disastrous last album.

Aaron's task is to go fetch Aldous, escort him back to New York for a comeback concert and make sure he gets to the theater (The Greek) on time, sober, and ready to perform.

Chaos and hilarity ensue. Aaron manages to get Aldous to the Greek, and along the way, they both learn important lessons about life, love and humanity.

But in 1982 there was another movie called "My Favorite Year".



In 1950's New York, in the age of live television, the nebish Benjy Stone (Mark Linn-Baker) is an ambitious young writer for King Kaiser (think Sid Caesar), the star of a major weekly comedy-variety show.

Next weeks guest star is Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole), a once great, swash-buckling movie idol (think Errol Flynn) who is now a washed up, alcoholic, womanizing has been who is absolutely TERRIFIED at the prospect of appearing on live television.

As Alan says, "I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!"

Benjy's task is to go fetch Alan, escort him back to New York for the live TV show and make sure he gets to the studio on time, sober, and ready to perform.

Chaos and hilarity ensue. Benjy manages to get Alan to the studio, and along the way, they both learn important lessons about life, love and humanity.

This is my favorite clip from the movie:



I highly recommend both movies.

[BTW. "Peter O'Toole" is the greatest porn star name EVER! He missed his calling.]