Netflix has just added a ‘shockingly underrated ‘ film that fans think features a beloved actor at a career best.

The streaming giant has just made the movie American Pickle available to its subscribers. It is part of its latest update to the platform’s extensive library.

According to its synopsis, the film sees an Orthodox Jewish factory worker named Herschel, fall into a state of suspended animation for 100 years after a freak accident. He ends up being preserved in pickle brine for a century and wakes up in modern New York City. Forced to adapt to a very different life, he begins living with his great-great-grandson, Ben, a freelance app developer.

Simon Rich wrote the screenplay based on one of his short stories. Rich has previously worked as a writer on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons while also worked on Pixar movie Inside Out and 2023’s Wonka.

The film’s cast includes 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.

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Fans say it is more a drama than a comedy(Image: Warner Bros)

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 mostly well received by critics, earning a respectable 73%, fan response is largely mixed. However, there was one point that everyone agreed on – the level of Seth Rogen’s performance.

Many feel like it is a career highlight for the actor and writer who has gone on to create Apple TV series The Studio, as well as previously starring 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.”

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Fans say it is more a drama than a comedy(Image: Warner Bros)

Quite a few people believe they identified the issue with those that did not enjoy it. They say its classification as a comedy movie, gives the wrong impression to some and should instead be approached as a drama.

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 American Pickle is streaming on Netflix.

SOURCE: https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/shockingly-underrated-film-seth-rogens-37172373