One month in, summer movie magic finally gets a spokesperson in spin-off “Get Him to the Greek”. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are on trial in a comedy that keeps the laughs coming with enough genuine concern for character to make this one worth multiple viewings.

Producer Judd Apatow proves once more he knows just what movies he should back. In this spin-off on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, our favorite rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) finds a film role center stage, and this time he’s off the wagon after seven years of sobriety. Get ready for fantastic chemistry between England’s greatest star and lowly intern Aaron Green (Jonah Hill).

Once a rock god, Aldous Snow is lost in the undertow of music fame with an ill-received album and an ex with custody of his child. As he drowns in a self-created sea of sex, drugs and isolation, there’s one man who thinks Snow’s past charisma and discography is just what Pinnacle Records needs to save their falling revenue stream. With a green-lit idea and a head full of hopes for the future of rock, intern Aaron Green heads to England with three days to get wild- child Aldous to Los Angeles to perform at the Greek Theatre, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his last performance at the legendary venue.

This ain’t “The Hangover” or “Superbad” but a film with its own style of humor. We’ve got physical comedy, dry jokes, uncomfortable situations, and a touch of the crass. Coming nowhere near the quirk and wit of “Sarah Marshall”, “Get Him to the Greek” still finds a place of honor, keeping the jokes fresh and the circumstances unique.

Jason Segel’s “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was an unlikely gem that stole the show in 2008, and now director Nicholas Stoller returns without the man behind the original, providing his own take on the characters. There are plenty of familiar faces with great cameos, but don’t compare Jonah Hill as Aaron Green to Matthew the waiter in “Sarah Marshall”. Take the film for what it is – a stand-alone story based on a successful character from another film.

What this one lacks in fast dialogue and originality it makes up for in a constant stream of songs and music videos featuring Snow and former girlfriend Jackie Q (Rose Byrne). Expect an album by Aldous and Jackie when this one hits video stores. It’s sure to give the iconic gag musicians the Lonely Island, responsible for “SNL” music videos “Lazy Sunday” and “I’m on a Boat”, a bit of competition in the farce music scene. The blokes from “This is Spinal Tap” would be proud.

Staying true to his reputation, Apatow throws in moments of raunch coupled with sincerity. But here, Snow is humanized, transcending his oversexed, drugged up character in “Sarah Marshall”. He’s hurting and in need of more than an endless string of one-night-stands.

Cue our hero, Aaron, who learns a valuable lesson about rock ‘n’ roll’s less savory side in the process of helping Snow.

Brand knows how to personify rock ‘n’ roll and Hill holds his own as the fanboy in the presence of his idol, but the real surprises here are Byrne and Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs. Byrne, who often plays the mother figure, transforms into an eccentric pop star for “Greek”. She provides a hysterical bit part that’s wildly over-the-top.

The big surprise here is hip-hop artist Diddy’s side-splitting role as Sergio Roma, head of Pinnacle Records.

He steals all the one-liners and joins the physical comedy.

“Get Him to the Greek” leads the race for funniest comedy of the year.

This isn’t bust-your-gut laughter but a solid story that’ll have you laughing and caring…when you’re not cringing at the awkwardness of some scenes.