Netflix has just added a ‘shockingly underrated’ film that fans believe showcases a beloved actor delivering a career-best performance.
The streaming giant has recently made the movie American Pickle available to its subscribers. It forms part of its latest refresh to the platform’s vast library.
According to its synopsis, the film follows an Orthodox Jewish factory worker named Herschel, who falls into a state of suspended animation for 100 years following a freak accident.
He ends up being preserved in pickle brine for a century and awakens in modern New York City. Compelled to adjust to a vastly different life, he starts living with his great-great-grandson, Ben, a freelance app developer.
Simon Rich penned the screenplay based on one of his short stories. Rich has previously served as a writer on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons while also contributing to Pixar movie Inside Out and 2023’s Wonka.
The film’s cast features celebrated comic actor Seth Rogen in a dual role as both Herschel and Ben. He is joined by Succession’s Sarah Snook, Lonely Island member Jorma Taccone and Netflix star Tim Robinson, reports the Mirror.
It received a very limited release in cinemas back in 2020, with box office takings still impacted post-Covid. It then originally dropped exclusively on HBO Max and looks set to be introduced to a whole new audience thanks to its inclusion on Netflix. While the film garnered largely positive reviews from critics, achieving a respectable 73% rating, audience reactions have proved more divided. Nevertheless, one aspect drew universal praise – Seth Rogen’s exceptional acting.
Many believe it represents a career-defining moment for the actor and writer, who has since created Apple TV series The Studio, having previously starred in Superbad and Knocked Up.
One person posted online: “An American Pickle has such an outrageous plot that can only be justified by Seth Rogen. I can’t stress enough that this movie was so perfect for Seth Rogen. What surprised me though, was how well acted this movie was. Seth Rogen has never been taken seriously because of his roles, but in An American Pickle, he gives one of his best performances so far.”
Another agreed: “Seth Rogen gives one of his best performances in this duo role that will have you laughing. In a world where we’re all about cancel culture; An American Pickle couldn’t arrive at a better time. This film speaks to the modern work we live in and delivers a message about ethics, technology and adjusting to the real world. I truly enjoyed this film more than I expected – stream it if you can.”
Someone else called the film ‘shockingly underrated’ and went on to say: “I am baffled by how many people dislike this movie. It’s a brilliant script, brilliantly acted by Seth Rogen. It made me laugh; it made me tear up; it got me thinking on multiple levels. It’s an over-the-top feud movie. It’s also a clever satire with heart.”
Several viewers reckon they’ve worked out why certain audiences struggled with it. They argue its marketing as a comedy film creates misleading expectations, and that it ought to be viewed as a drama instead.
As one person tried to explain: “This is not a comedy or a bad film. Rather simply it is a social commentary interspersed with light hearted moments.”
An Amercan Pickle is streaming on Netflix.
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