Review: Our Idiot Brother

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He had a bad day.
Poor Ned. (Paul Rudd) He's just a easy going farmer with a heart of gold. Too bad he's a little on the space cadet side and sells pot to a uniformed police officer and winds up in prison. Released for good behavior, (he won most cooperative inmate four months running!) he winds up homeless, and dogless, after his girlfriend Janet (Kathryn Hahn) kicks him to the curb. He's forced to spend his time living with his three sisters (Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer) who all have very different and very busy lives.

The supporting cast also includes Steve Coogan, Rashinda Jones and Adam Scott among others. This was definitely one of my favorite ensembles of the year. Rudd's Ned is so loving even though he messes things up. Banks, Deschanel and Mortimer also bring out the best in their very different characters. Deschanel in particular is starting to steer away from the "quirky girl next door" character she's been shoe boxed in. Coogan's part is small, but very memorable. He plays a complete dick, but he plays it well. I would've liked Adam Scott to be in it a bit more, but his few scenes were still a nice touch. The film balances comedy and drama well with it's laugh out loud moments and it's touching ones. It may not be the funniest comedy of the year, but it sure is one of the better ones for it's story and great cast.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A-

Memorable Quote: "Nobody loves like Ned loves." - Miranda (Elizabeth Banks)

Comments

  1. DanmarkDecember 15, 2011 at 12:38 AM

    I just recently saw "Our idiot brother" and from reading other people's reviews,many have bomb this film about how it is not target as a comedy and that it was pointless to watch. In my opinion, I found the movie to be enjoyable to watch and Paul Rudd's character was so likeable and his lifestyle in general.

    ReplyDelete

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