This was surprisingly funny and enjoyable to watch. It is worth watching a couple of times. There are a few things you may miss the first time. The Characters the director uses with their slap stick stooge style comedy shows in a light hearted way the hardship reality of how tough it is to get a good job and keep it, and how true friendship can build a really strong bond. The beauty of Hawaiian scenery is almost distracting for us main landers. The way the director wraps all this up with the soundtrack really draws you in. You feel as if you are one of the locals. You are able to relate to their hardships and the love of good friends and family. It is an overall enjoyable film and I would recommend watching it if you get a chance, you will not be disappointed.
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wolverine6925 June 2013
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blumdeluxe29 April 2017"Get a job" is from the beginning to the end a Hawaiian film. Not only did the production take place in Hawaii, the topic is omnipresent throughout the whole movie, that is otherwise centered around the story of a job broker and his hardest client, who confronts him with life-changing problems.
Wherever you look, there's something bizarre going on. Some of the characters are more figures of art than they are close to actual humans but not necessarily in a negative way. Of course, where there are a lot of shrill gags, some don't work out that well but all in all I was highly entertained throughout the whole movie. For me it is an example of a rather low-budget production that is brave enough to bring bizarre ideas into life and thereby break with the sometimes boring rules of everyday's life. One minor thing, the songs of the band are a bit inflationary, I don't know if they are somehow famous on Hawaii but otherwise it is a bit monotone for a soundtrack.
All in all this surely isn't a masterpiece, some gags or sequences of the plot don't ignite in the end but you can tell that a lot of heart was put into this film and it is of high entertainment value. -
marionbuteau14 May 2013Honestly, having lived in Maui 14 plus years, I don't really understand why so many islanders like this movie. It portrays locals as dumb and lazy, is full of corny slapstick and quite simply, I found it crude and annoying. Perhaps it's popularity among Maui residents stems from the fact that it is entirely Maui-made starring an all local cast, so if you have lived on the island long enough, you will recognize most of the faces, even including some of the "extras" in the background... however, if you have never lived on the island, or on any Hawaiian island, you will not know any of the cast and I doubt you will be able to see any virtues coming out of this film. Essentially, it portrays a guy who is "allergic" to work, and essentially, really is unemployable! I don't know... maybe I just didn't get it....
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TheBeardedWonder11 August 2023Like the other reviewer who mentioned it - you must have to be from the area to find it funny. Willie was a fun and natural actor but the dude playing the other guy is. Not. Funny. Like at all. Nothing he said was funny. Nothing he did made us laugh.
All he did was make dumb little kid style jokes that you used to make in junior high and think we're hilarious. He's supposed to be the fish out of water and the simpleton but he was just annoying.
The story and people are simple and that's totally fine. But the jokes just aren't funny. All of us watching say in silence waiting for it to get funny and it never did.
I'm sure if you're from there and know the places, stores, parks, people, etc it's probably a lot of fun. As someone not from there it just kind of says and does unfunny things for 90 mins until it ends... -
catherinetarleton13 May 2013This is one I can watch over and over, and laugh, out loud, every time. I love to share it with friends for that reason.
Why? Unlike some so-called "regional" films that only tickle funny bones locally, "Get A Job" uses an island voice to tell a universal story about work, play and love. Yes, you will laugh more if you're from Hawaii, if you've been to Hawaii, if you like mangoes, love Hawaiian music or have ever heard of Willie K, Eric Gilliom or Jake Shimabukuro. And, yes, the film delivers even without those connections.
Willie K is "William," the employment recruiter walking in two worlds. He wears a wild 'Fro with his noose of a suit and tie; he's got a meditation fountain on his desk, a guitar in the closet, a wheezing old car, and a girlfriend who wants to get married.
"Merton," played by Eric Gilliom, is the clueless surfer who goes with whatever, waiting for the big wave or cruising around the neighborhood. When a random encounter with a bicycle, a mango and a traffic jam bring the two together, William makes it his mission to help Merton get a job.
Hilarity ensues, of course. But what is more interesting, and important, is how Maui filmmaker Brian Kohne manages to bring the story to the screen with such affection and insight. By using, rather deploying, some of Hawaii's best-known entertainers like musicians Willie K, Gilliom, Henry Kapono, Amy Hanaiali'i, Augie T (as a motorcycle cop) and Jake Shimabukuro (as a Japanese tour bus guide), Kohne makes Hawaii folks feel like we're in the company of friends.
For other folks, there isn't a neighborhood in the country that doesn't have a William and a Merton - and all the others who think they know what's what and what's best for them. Their journey might play out in the snow instead of surf, or on the streets instead of sugar cane fields, but we know these characters because they are us, and we are healed by laughing at ourselves, our missteps and our funky successes in whatever form they take.
Plus it's got a killer soundtrack. -
y-krolicki19 May 2013Ann Arbor — Recently I came across this funny indie while reading some sports stories. I was intrigued by all the star power in GET A JOB the movie. The production values were great, there were plenty of laughs and the music was spectacular. Thoroughly, I was impressed. The leads, Willie K, Eric Gilliom and Carolyn Omine were pro's. I did a bit of research and the film was well received in their Film Festival efforts. Then I came across some of their previous music and I was blown away. It turns out that Willie K and Eric Gilliom are talented veterans in the entertainment circuit. Also, Willie K and Gilliom have had some great success with their musical recordings as the BAREFOOT NATIVES.
In the movie, the colorful plot-line is the journey of William (Willie K), a down-on-his-luck employment agent who has a last chance to save his job all the while trying to find a stable job for the bumbling Merton (Gilliom). Furthermore, while writer/director Brian Kohne was pulling this all together, my important question is How did he do it? One thing for sure, Don Hersey, as director of photography, sure nails it.
I tracked down Kohne in Maui and he was modest about the effort. It turns out that he did all the location shoots in 30 days. He added that the writing and production journey took a full three years. Melding the music along with the underground Hawaiian anecdotes and laughs was masterful. The blending of Willie K and Gilliom was artful and as spectacular as a Maui sunset.
Kohne bragged about his cast and crew. He said emphatically, "Hawaii was the star of the film." That sealed this film watching experience for me. He was very positive with that statement. He was on to something and it made me watch the film again and share it with my posse. The narrative was Hawaii and Hawaiian locals. The script showcased a different view. It was just different. The relevant lens shows an underground Hawaii.
I asked about the hilarious goat scenes and Kohne told me they did them all in an afternoon at the Surfing Goat Dairy in Kula, Maui. This is about halfway up Haleakala Mountain. It looked like a blast and I imagined that the crew had just as much fun as the talent. Maui is more that beaches and sunshine. Regular type folks have to make a living and experience life beyond tourism and beach crowds. This movie experience also gave me the itch to visit Maui. It was recently announced that GET A JOB has received a nomination for a 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano award (Hawaiian Grammy) for the movie soundtrack. Another featured artist in the movie, Amy Hanaiali'i, also got a nomination. World renowned ukulele sensation, Jake Shimabukuro, steals some scenes on the Japanese tourist bus and island comedian, Augie T, adds some hilarity in support of Willie K and Gilliom.
It turns out that Kohne, producer Stefan C. Schaefer and associate producer Raymond Rolak were all born in Michigan. Nice compliment. Maybe there is something in the water in those there Great Lakes. Schaefer is currently working on "Even Though the Whole World Is Burning", a documentary on the life and efforts of Pulitzer poet winner, and environmental activist W.S. Merwin. Kohne has a new Hawaiian thriller in the works, "Kuleana", which is set in the 70's and currently in development. Rolak is scouting locations for a planned big budget project in northern Michigan.
GET A JOB as a movie and soundtrack are sure keepers. I will pull out both often to get my Hawaii fix, grab some laughs and chill with some great tunes. The flick sustains throughout.
To watch the trailer or order the DVD and soundtrack CD www.getajobmovie.com -
alphadogjackie19 May 2013BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan-- I came across this very funny movie while reading a review in the Clare County Recorder. As I was enjoying the serenity of Northern Mid-Michigan and a cup of Irish coffee at the famous Doherty Hotel, I became intrigued by GET A JOB the movie. The first eye-opener, was noticing all the star-power in GET A JOB. Yes, I was impressed.
The leads, Willie K, and Eric Gilliom deserve a sequel. The film was well received in their Film Festival run, including getting a top honor at the Las Vegas International Film Festival. Most importantly, I came across some of their previous music and I was sold. Willie K and Eric Gilliom are veterans on the Pacific entertainment circuit. They also have had some award winning CD's as the BAREFOOT NATIVES. The movie journey has William (Willie K), an employment agent, who is trying to save his own job. He can do it if he finds a job for the stumble-bum Merton (Gilliom). Watch for the Japanese granny scene mid-movie, the sequence steals the show.
How did writer/director Brian Kohne pull all this all together? I do not know but I sure enjoyed the ride. The movie entertained thoroughly. The team of Willie K and Gilliom reminded me of 'Lewis and Martin'. The Maui musical entertainers were as spectacular as a Hawaiian sunset. The movie camera lens showed an underground Hawaii and sustained the laughs throughout.
The goat scenes and 'Goat Wrestling' championships had me howling. Maui is sure more than beaches, sunrises and umbrella drinks. The movie showcased how regular folks have to make a living.
I noticed also in the trades that GET A JOB has received a nomination for a 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano award (Hawaiian Grammy) for the movie soundtrack. Another featured artist in the movie, Amy Hanaiali'i, and world renowned ukulele player, Jake Shimabukuro, also got nominations. Augie T, added some comedic support in the film. I was even more surprised when Mick Fleetwood opened the finale wedding band scene pounding percussions. The cameos by Willie Nelson and Pat Simmons were an added bonus. I knew of Carolyn Omine's fame from the Simpsons on FOX-TV. What a thrill to see some girl-power. Again, the movie screams sequel and the soundtrack gets raves.
The GET A JOB musical soundtrack was so compelling; I went to the movie website and bought the DVD and CD. It was cheaper than a Hawaiian vacation and I can enjoy the experience over and over. -
Loreina14 May 2013I loved this movie! It was a laugh out loud adventure. The characters reminded me of the 3 Stooges. If you want to have fun and laugh your butt off, get this movie! It's a classic comedy where you fall in love with the characters, and want more. The movie is filmed on beautiful Oahu in Hawaii, but it could be any where in the world because we all know a friend or relative with similar issues with employment. I loved the local music especially Jake Shimabukuri who is one of my favorite ukulele musicians. The morning after I watched the film I found myself laughing out loud about some of the funniest scenes, it put a real smile on my face. I would recommend this film to anyone that has had a hard day at work and wants to rid themselves of a stressful day, it will transport you to the island and to a wacky world.
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stella-322 June 2013Hilarious. Yes. Belly-laughing hilarious! Yeah, and some parts are crude and in bad taste, but the rest of it is so funny, I forgave those parts. Willie K was really impressive in his role...a natural...he's just a brilliantly good entertainer. He's left me in tears with his arias only to follow one up with dueling banjos and Your Cheatin' Heart...so this was a totally different experience of him. Way to go Willie!
Loved the local dialect, as well as the sophisticated themes of the human condition...vices and virtues. Definitely fun.
It is particularly good fun for the cameos of local musicians, including Jake Shimabukuro, Mick Fleetwood, Willie Nelson et. al. And of course, the scenes of Maui, from Wailuku to Kula to Lahaina. -
barbarabushta20 June 2013'Martin and Lewis' are revisited in Hawaii Comedy Barbara Bushta Schoolcraft College LIVONIA-- We've got some summer fun in the new comedy indie that bills itself as, "Hawaii's first major motion picture comedy." GET A JOB is madcap fun in Hawaii.
The protagonists are Willie K and Eric Gilliom. Willie K is the straight man to Eric Gilliom's crazy, burned-out surfer character. Willie K is a job search agent who keeps sending Gilliom on various employment searches. Gilliom is a surfer, out-of-water, who needs a job to help his Hawaiian auntie. There is also a subplot about Willie K trying to marry his girlfriend Laura (Carolyn Omine).
Willie K and Gilliom remind you of some of the 'Martin and Lewis' motion picture comedies from the 50's. This would play well in France also. One of the best bits entails Gilliom driving a school bus full of Japanese tourists. Ukulele sensation, Jake Shimabukuro, steals the scene. The bus is being chased by a crazed Maui cop, Augie T. This Filipino comic is a very real and he has plenty of likable sequences.
The duo gets into numerous funny and silly situations. Some are PG-humorous and some are soft R-rated fun. Gilliom becomes the comedy center of the film. The soundtrack is great and summer-fun bouncy. The music is one of the film's best assets and there are cameos from Mick Fleetwood, Willie Nelson and Pat Simmons.
Of course, there is the beautiful Hawaiian scenery throughout the film. The movie ends with a hilarious wedding scene. Cinematographer, Dan Hersey, gets kudos and praises for plenty of close-ups.
Written and directed by Brian Kohne, GET A JOB is good-natured fun for the summer party and backyard bar-b-que crowd.
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Get A Job is the story of Willie, a staffing agent striving for a promotion at his firm's bigger parent company. His world gets turned upside down upon meeting the island eccentric, Merton. Willie is now tasked with finding Merton a job, which is not as easy as it seems.
This film is Hawaii. From the scenery to clothing to pattern of speech, Get A Job stays true to its Hawaiian roots. It is all too easy to veer in the realm of being stereotypical, but this film stays true Hawaii; keeping the casting and crew Hawaiian was an asset. The film easily captures the spirit of the islands, bright and colorful. Each element is reflected in a different character in the film.
Being shot in such a beautiful location, the cinematography did the scenery justice. The camera footage is sharp and well lit, overall pleasing to the eye. There are a few issues with exposure when coming from an interior scene to an exterior scene; the doors and windows tend to be blown out. The audio quality is spot on, and the mix of dialog with score is excellent. The score chosen for this film is a character of its own, never detracting attention from the scene, only adding in more Hawaii atmosphere.
What was most impressive about this film was the opening. The beginning sequence provides such a sense of the two main characters without dialog. It is excellent storytelling when you can get into a character without them even speaking. Merton merited a little more explanation. As he is such an eccentric, the audience is wondering if there's something wrong with him mentally or if he's really just a kook. Some clarification on the matter would have helped the audience understand his character better.
The pacing of this film was off. The beginning flows wonderfully, but then it hits a brick wall and slows down. Varying the shot size, throwing in more details or close ups, would help break up the medium shots, giving the film sense of more motion. The motion shots that were used in this film, like sequences in the car or on the bike, were great. As an audience, more of those type of shots are desired.
A big issue as an audience member is the main issue of the film is introduced far too late in the film. The Hawaii versus Them motif surfaces near the end of the film. If this was introduced right off the bat, it would give the film more punch and much more direction. Too, there are too many stories in this film. There's Laura and her plight to get married. Narrowing down the number of story lines or really highlighting one would help the audience understand the heart of the film and not feel so lost. Many of the story lines, for example Willie and Laura, are not given enough time to develop as there are too many competing characters. As an audience member, it's hard to get a sense of their relationship as there is not enough time paid to the reactions of Willie missing her family reunion or even how they are as a couple. It makes the end wedding feel rushed and awkward.
Merton and Willie's relationship too falls into the same pattern as Willie and Laura's. The audience doesn't see Merton change Willie until the near end of the film. Little things should be changing throughout the duration of the film. Laura could comment on it, there are many ways to tie all of it together. The characters feel like they exist on their own, not like they are in relation to each other at all. Defining these relationships more would not only tie the characters together, but it will help the story surface better.
This film on the whole does a great job of showing, like the opening sequence, rather than telling what's going on in the film. There were a few points that were confusing. How and when did Willie get arrested? How did Merton get Willie's job? Showing these sequences would clear up so many confusing plot points.
This was a quirky, "buddy" movie all rolled up into one entertaining package. Brian Kohne created and directed 2 memorable characters; Merton and William/Willie. The play between the two was pure entertainment. Merton has to be one of the oddest, most endearing characters I have seen in a long time while William is so sincere, sweet, and lovable. The chemistry between the two was captured splendidly. The supporting cast added to the overall quirkiness of the film. Some of the humor seemed regional, but that did not detract from the overall humor of the film. The theme of "get a job" is universal and the movie definitely made me aware that some unusual folks might be trying to "get a job" and that someone will have to help them. This created much of the fun in this movie. The romance subplot between Laura and William did not hold up to romance between Merton and William. One thing that I did not understand was the intentions or motive for the behavior of Laura's co-worker in arranging the "wedding." The photography was beautiful- I thoroughly enjoyed the backdrop of Hawaii for much of the film. The music throughout the film made me think of Hawaii and truly added to the events/actions occurring at the time of the individual songs. I especially loved the songs from the Barefoot Natives. Cameos by Mick Fleetwood and Willie Nelson further endeared this film to me. The movie runs along at a nice pace-it didn't feel too long, but some scenes dragged a bit, especially if they didn't include William and Merton together or just Merton. Overall, a silly, fun romp through Hawaii with 2 memorable and heart-warming characters.