Two Seth Rogens on screen, a fish-out-of-water story, mocking new ethics - all about the film "An American Pickle".

In August, a new film starring Seth Rogen titled "An American Pickle" premiered on HBO Max. Here's what makes this film interesting, aside from Rogen playing two roles.

A classic fish-out-of-water story

The main character is Herschel Greenbaum (Seth Rogen), a resident of the inglorious town of Shlupsk in the early 20th century. He dreams of a better life where he can drink soda water and live in peace with his beloved. But after accidentally falling into a vat of pickles and the pickle factory closing down, Herschel awakens in 2020.

In form, the entire film plays on the traditional story of a person transported from one time to another, which provides ample room for comedic situations. The portrayal of the aggressive intransigence of old morals clashing with 21st-century ethics is particularly successful. However, director Brandon Trost ("The Future Man") doesn't limit himself to humor, but also offers a clever perspective on the shifting paradigm of human values across different eras.

Questions of family, religion, and ethics

Using gags and situational comedy as a cover, Trost skillfully weaves social criticism of the modern institution of family into the story. Millennials, in the creators' view, have forgotten that family and loved ones are the main value in a person's life. That's why Herschel has appropriate explanatory conversations with his great-grandson, developer Ben (also played by Rogen).

Another thematic element in "An American Pickle" is the topic of religious consciousness in today's world. In our time, it has become more of a pop culture phenomenon and a battleground for people of different views, whereas in the past it provided help in difficult situations.

Returning to the theme of new ethics, it's worth noting that the authors amusingly play with moments where freedom of speech can instantly turn into intolerance from feminists, religious fanatics, moral crusaders, advocates of free expression, and so on.

The film lacks coherence

Despite all its obvious merits, from successful humor to Rogen's excellent transformation into two completely different characters, "An American Pickle" has several issues. The main one is a lack of coherence.

The film starts as a hilarious parody of early 20th-century cinema, which also plays on the tropes of classic romantic comedies. Then it shifts into a fish-out-of-water comedy, after which it discovers new facets, adding philosophy and even dramatic notes.

All this chaos makes it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the story and not get distracted by questions like "Why is this moment in the film?". At times, it may seem that "An American Pickle" consists of a series of episodes stitched together with white thread. This prevents the film from being an absolute success for Brandon Trost and Seth Rogen.

Should you watch "An American Pickle"?

This film will be to your taste if you've missed charming and clever comedies that can not only make you laugh but also remind you of important things.

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