Year One

The 2009 film Year One is a raucous and riotous comedy that takes audiences on an unforgettable trek through early human history. The film treads through several biblical verses in a hilarious and often irreverent manner. It employs a star-studded cast with comedic icons like Jack Black and Michael Cera leading the charge, while future starlets like Olivia Wilde serve as supporting cast members. Year One displayed the signature comedic voice of the director, Harold Ramis, who rose to fame by co-writing and starring in the original Ghostbusters.

Year One revolves around Black and Cera's characters, Zed and Oh, respectively, two simple-minded yet charmingly naive cavemen whose accidental expulsion from their humble primitive tribe sparks a wild and comedic journey. Black's Zed is the - often misguided - fearless hero type, while Cera plays Oh, the timid, endearing, and faithful sidekick.

The insatiable curiosity and fierce determination of Zed propel him in his journey. After an encounter with a forbidden fruit results in their banishment from their tribe, Zed convinces the more sceptical Oh to embrace their uncertain future and venture into the uncharted world beyond their village.

As the plot unfolds, their journey takes them through various civilizations and famous biblical events, albeit with an unconventional twist. The narrative gamely reinterprets eternal tales such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Abraham and Isaac. The blend of prehistoric misadventure and classic scripture-based narratives creates a unique and refreshing cinematic story.

Throwing in famous biblical figures, you encounter an attempted brotherly murder with the deadly yet hilarious Cain, played by David Cross, within the first of many cannily reimagined Bible tales. Hank Azaria's Abraham serves as another humorous twist on a familiar character, casting him in a light that makes both his faith and his commitment to circumcision subjects of endless mockery. The fictional presentation of these powerful biblical figures contributes significantly to the movie's irreverent and brilliant comedy, which often stretches the boundaries of humor and quirkiness.

In addition to these encounters, Zed and Oh trek through ancient cities, each civilization in itself a manifestation of the absurd and the excessive. They end up crossing paths with a host of other primitive community characters and end up enmeshed in their political and social intrigues. Even the romantic subplots, with characters played by Olivia Wilde and June Diane Raphael, help add depth to the rather simplistic main characters and propel the narrative forward.

The performances delivered by the leading actors are truly commendable. Jack Black's Zed bumbles through ancient history with boisterous foolishness, which is a natural fit for his established comedic persona. In contrast, Michael Cera's more awkward and timid performance as Oh provides the perfect counterbalance to Black's explosive energy.

Year One is surprisingly successful in delivering a timeless and compelling tale of friendship and adventure. With its brash humor, slapstick comedy interludes, and constant lampooning of religious and historical figures, it thrives on its willingness to be as goofy as possible. There's a slight taste of satire, as the film touches base on elements of classism, slavery, and the prevailing societal norms of that era.

Overall, Year One is a zany and crazy ride; an entertaining jaunt through an absurdly depicted chapter of human history. While the movie takes some liberties with historical and biblical accuracy, it remains a hilarious parody of the ancient world, showing us that no matter the era, human foibles remain the same.