Our Idiot Brother
Review by Sean Lynch
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Our Idiot Brother
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Our Idiot Brother is the
latest in a decade long string of comedies which don't necessarily
deliver laughs - but are unquestionably likable.
This
latest star studded affair (it really is a who's who of modern day "It"
Comedy) follows the adventures of the simple, but well meaning, Ned
Rochlin (Paul Rudd) who chooses to look for the good in every situation
and the best in everyone he meets.
The only problem is, this more often than not puts Ned at odds with the world around him - especially his family and the law.
Honestly,
how many times can a guy fall for selling weed to a uniformed
police officer before people start questioning his brain power?
Upon
being released from jail, Ned excitedly returns to the organic farm he
shares with his girlfriend, Janet (Kathryn Hahn), to find that she has
thrown him out, and more importantly won’t give up custody of his
beloved dog (named "Willie Nelson").
Without a house, a job, or a clue about how to get Willie Nelson back, Ned seeks shelter with his begrudging family.
Paul
Rudd shines as the lovable stoner Ned, it's a role that could become
annoying in the hands of a less charming performer - but Rudd really
makes us believe Ned is a man who simply enjoys the pleasures of life
and the good that is, potentially, inside everyone.
The
supporting cast is also superb (for hipsters, admission price is worth
it if only to catch a glimpse of Zooey Deschanel and Rashida Jones
pashing) while Steve Coogan proves once again he is a valuable
commodity in American comedic cinema.
While Our Idiot Brother starts
to lose a little steam towards the end, largely due to the
aforementioned lack of gags, director Jesse Peretz still manages to
deliver an enjoyable tale about the potential of positive thinking.
In all truth, it's just fun to hang out with this eclectic bunch of characters. 3 out
of 5
Our Idiot Brother
Australian release: 3rd November,
2011
Official
Site: Our Idiot Brother
Cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan
Director: Jesse Peretz
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