Year One Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two cavemen get kicked out of their tribe, accidentally invent religion, and end up in Sodom, where they probably should’ve stayed.

🍿 Year One: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Banished from the Tribe

Zed, an inept hunter played by Jack Black, and Oh, a timid gatherer portrayed by Michael Cera, are outcasts in their primitive tribe. Zed’s ambition leads him to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge, resulting in their banishment. This sets the stage for their journey into the unknown. Their initial struggles and expulsion from their tribe due to Zed’s transgression form the core of the film’s comedic setup.

Encounters with Biblical Figures

The banished duo encounters iconic figures from the Bible, including Cain and Abel, and Abraham and Isaac. These encounters are portrayed humorously, often subverting traditional interpretations of these biblical stories. For example, Cain’s fratricide is treated with dark humor, and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is presented as absurd.

Arrival in Sodom

Zed and Oh’s journey leads them to the city of Sodom, where they become entangled in the city’s decadent and corrupt society. Here, they find their former tribe members enslaved and become involved in a power struggle involving Princess Inanna. This section of the film satirizes ancient civilizations and their moral decay, while providing opportunities for slapstick and situational comedy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Zed (Jack Black): A bumbling hunter banished from his tribe, who believes he is destined for greatness and often causes trouble.
• Oh (Michael Cera): A shy and intellectual gatherer who reluctantly accompanies Zed on his journey and often provides the voice of reason.
• Maya (June Diane Raphael): A woman from Zed and Oh’s tribe who desires a strong protector and becomes a slave in Sodom.
• Eema (Juno Temple): A woman from Zed and Oh’s tribe who is pursued by Oh and also becomes a slave in Sodom.
• Cain (David Cross): The fratricidal son of Adam who encounters Zed and Oh and later betrays them into slavery.
• High Priest (Oliver Platt): The corrupt and amorous religious leader in Sodom who poses a threat to Zed, Oh, Maya, and Eema.
• Princess Inanna (Olivia Wilde): A Sumerian princess who allies with Zed to bring justice to her people and seeks guidance from him as the ‘Chosen One’.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Oh: “I’m a virgin by choice.” – Oh declares this to Zed, who doesn’t believe him, highlighting Oh’s awkward social standing.
• Zed: “I am intelligenter!” – Zed proclaims this after eating from the Tree of Knowledge, comically exaggerating his newfound wisdom.
• Zed: “It’s all just so… weird!” – Zed says this after eating from the Tree of Knowledge, trying to sound philosophical.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,337,279
• Worldwide Gross: $62,357,900

💥 Year One Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into ‘Year One’ expecting a laugh riot, but honestly, it was a mixed bag. There were moments where I chuckled – the Cain and Abel bit was surprisingly funny. But overall it felt like they were trying too hard, especially the gross-out humor. Jack Black and Michael Cera have chemistry, but the script let them down. I walked out feeling a little underwhelmed.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jack Black and Michael Cera”
  • “Viewers who enjoy parodies and spoofs”
  • “Those interested in biblical satire”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Sexual innuendoes”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Religious satire”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a talented cast and director, ‘Year One’ is largely unfunny, relying on juvenile humor that rarely hits the mark. The biblical satire feels forced and uninspired, leading to a disappointing comedy experience.
• Metacritic: “The film’s scattershot approach to humor and uneven pacing leave much to be desired. While the premise holds potential, the execution falls flat, resulting in a comedy that fails to deliver consistent laughs or insightful commentary.
• IMDB: “Year One has moments of humor, mainly due to the cast. Overall the script lacks focus, the direction is heavy-handed and the jokes fall flat. It is an historical satire that fails to deliver the laughs.

Audience Reactions

Some found the biblical references amusing and appreciated the lighthearted approach.: Viewers agree that casting was a good choice.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reception; many found it unfunny and relying too heavily on crude humor, while some appreciated the lighthearted satire.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the final film directed by Harold Ramis and also his last acting role.”
• “Several bloopers are shown during the first half of the end credits, a nod to classic comedy films.”
• “Filming locations included White Sands National Monument, New Mexico.”

🖥️ How to Watch Year One?

Year One is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and at major retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Year One, you might like these similar films:

• Life of Brian (1979): Similar religious satire and comedic take on biblical events.
• History of the World, Part I (1981): Similar style of historical parody with broad humor and episodic structure.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): Shares a similar absurdist and irreverent comedic tone.

🛒 Year One Related Products

• Loincloth – Caveman Costume Accessory: Channel your inner caveman with this comfortable and authentic-looking loincloth. Perfect for costumes, cosplay, or just lounging around in prehistoric style.
• Club – Caveman Costume Accessory: Complete your caveman look with this essential accessory. Made from durable plastic, it’s safe for play and perfect for adding a touch of prehistoric authenticity to your costume.
• Tree of Knowledge – Seed Starter Kit: Grow your own metaphorical Tree of Knowledge with this seed starter kit. Includes everything you need to cultivate your own forbidden fruit (actual fruit may vary).
• Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Blu-ray): If you enjoyed the satirical humor of Year One, you might appreciate this classic comedy film that also pokes fun at biblical stories.

🎧 Soundtrack

Year One features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Kecak Dance” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Year One | Forgotten Failures

Take a trip down memory lane with this fascinating analysis of ‘Year One’, a film that left a mark despite its mixed reception. Discover why critics and audiences alike had strong opinions about this comedy.

Year One – “I’m not a Slave. I’m a Volunteer!”

Get ready for a good laugh! This clip captures the hilarious dynamic between the characters in ‘Year One’. You’ll find yourself wondering if your own coworkers see you the same way!

✨ Rate