An American Pickle (2020)

An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern-day Brooklyn.

Director:

Brandon Trost

Writers:

Simon Rich (screenplay by), Simon Rich (based on the short story entitled "Sell Out" written by)

Stars:

Seth Rogen, Sarah Snook, Molly Evensen

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Seth Rogen	...	Herschel Greenbaum / Ben Greenbaum
Sarah Snook	...	Sarah Greenbaum
Molly Evensen	...	Clara
Eliot Glazer	...	Christian
Kalen Allen	...	Kevin
Kevin O'Rourke	...	Dane Brunt
Sean Whalen	...	Scientist
Geoffrey Cantor	...	David Greenbaum
Carol Leifer	...	Susan Greenbaum
Jorma Taccone	...	Liam
Marsha Stephanie Blake	...	Inspector Sanders
Alyse Zwick	...	News Anchor
Dalon Huntington	...	Border Patrol Agent
J Michael Grey	...	Border Patrol Agent (as J. Michael Grey)
Efka Kvaraciejus	...	Fish Monger

Storyline

A simple Jewish man named Herschel Greenbaum works in a pickle factory in Brooklyn. One day he falls into a vat of brine and stays there, perfectly preserved, for 100 years. He comes back to life and goes to stay with his great-great-grandson, Ben, in contemporary Brooklyn.

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Plot Keywords:

immigrant | jewish | brooklyn | yiddish | pickled cucumber | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some language and rude humor

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film is based upon the 2013 short story "Sell Out" by Simon Rich.

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Goofs

In the later scenes where Herschel switches identities with Ben; Ben is unable to prove his identity. However, both of the characters were processed and booked for assault earlier in the film; meaning both of their fingerprints would be on file. USCIS and ICE frequently use bio-metrics, including fingerprints, before physically deporting an alien.

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Quotes

Herschel Greenbaum: This is what we're reaching for everybody. This is the dream. This is the goal. Perfect jar of pickles.

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Crazy Credits

In the film's mid-credit scene, both Hershel and Ben are watching Yentl (1983), starring Barbra Streisand.

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Connections

References Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

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Soundtracks

Same Identical Thing
Written by Preston McKinnon
Performed by The Gillettes
Courtesy of Resnik Music Group
By arrangement with Gravelpit Music/CAPP Records, Inc. & Music Supervisor, Inc.

User Reviews

Seth Rogen manages to make a movie that's not rated R, not about weed, and isn't totally terrible

An American Pickle is a decent film. You'll get a couple good laughs, and the run time is short enough to not waste your time. The premise (as you already know) is ridiculous, but the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. That's a good thing. At the same time, you'll probably completely forget all about this movie come next Tuesday.

(PS look for the author of this review around the 59 minute mark)

Details

Official Sites:

HBO Max

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

6 August 2020 (USA)

Also Known As:

In a Pickle

Filming Locations:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$499,649

Company Credits

Production Co:

Point Grey Pictures, Gravitational Productions, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1