An American Pickle

Directed by Brandon Trost, An American Pickle follows early 1900s laborer Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen) as he falls into a vat of pickles and is subsequently brined for 100 years – with the narrative detailing Herschel’s modern-day exploits alongside his great grandson (Rogen’s Ben). It doesn’t come as a tremendous surprise to learn that An American Pickle is based on a short story, as the movie, which generally remains entertaining enough from start to finish, boasts (or suffers from) a less-than-substantial narrative that paves the way for an all-too-slight midsection (ie the whole thing feels like an SNL sketch that’s been stretched out to feature length). Trost’s reluctance to wholeheartedly embrace and exploit the picture’s out-there premise doesn’t help matters, certainly, with the most obvious example of this is a curious (and head-scratching) absence of fish-out-of-water elements as Herschel explores his new surroundings. There’s little doubt, then, that An American Pickle‘s mild success is due almost entirely to Rogen’s superb work as the two vastly different protagonists, as the actor does an astonishing job of transforming both Herschel and Ben into distinctive figures that share a palpable amount of chemistry with one another – which ensures, ultimately, that the picture is at its best when focused on the irresistible banter between the men. By the time the unexpectedly touching finale rolls around, An American Pickle has confirmed its place as a decent-enough endeavor that never quite justifies its full-length running time.

**1/2 out of ****