Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Popular comedian Russell Brand is due in court Friday amidst accusations of sexual assault, amid controversy for his lead role in the widely-panned film “Army of One.” Brand portrayed the deity in this comedian film, which features him appearing to co-star Nicolas Cage in a vision, persuading him to追逐 divine retribution.
Background of the Film
“Army of One” follows Nicolas Cage’s character, Gary Faulkner, as he ventures to Pakistan to pursue Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, mirroring the real-life folly of a man with the same name. The movie was destined for controversy, having been re-edited by Bob Weinstein—younger brother of the convicted sexual predator Harvey Weinstein. Additionally, the film’s comedic jab at religion ruffled feathers among devout followers.
Critical Reception
Film critic Nathan Rabin, however, delivered a particularly harsh evaluation on his website, building on the film’s dismal 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Film Critique
“I struggle to envision a version of ‘Army of One’ that is even halfway competent, let alone good. But it need not be this appalling or chaotic,” he asserted.
Rabin slammed the adaptation for “misguidedly glorifying” the mental health struggles of the real Gary Faulkner, who was apprehended in 2010 in Pakistan with an arsenal of weapons and a Bible. Rabin, “The character spends most of his time in Pakistan smoking hashish and experiencing hallucinations. He never apprehends Osama Bin Laden. He accomplishes nothing. His time in Pakistan is as futile as the film itself,” he elaborated.
Performance Reviews
The critic was similarly unkind about Russell Brand’s portrayal of a mentally disturbed man’s delusional concept of God. “He is every bit as smug and irritating as anticipated. However, I suspect that today’s Russell Brand would regard Gary as a vital voice outside the mainstream media bubble and invite him onto his podcast to share his uniquely important views with like-minded individuals.”
The film was similarly trashed on IMDb, earning an average rating below five out of 10, along with a barrage of scathing reviews. One viewer humorously admitted to dozing off while watching the film.
Legal Proceedings
As of Friday, Brand is anticipated to attend court to face charges brought by the Metropolitan Police for rape and sexual assault, charges which he vehemently denies.