Our Idiot Brother Review
By David Kempler
Idiot's Semi-Delight
Paul Rudd is a mystery to me. In some ways he reminds me of Ben Affleck. They both possess generic good looks but neither screams heat. Admittedly, I'm a hetero guy but that's my take on it. Both always seem okay, but neither ever impresses me. Maybe it's just my lowly opinion. In another way, Rudd reminds me of Jeff Daniels. I don't find either particularly talented in the comedy arena, although Daniels has done some good dramatic work. Maybe Rudd will find a home in drama as well.
In Rudd's latest big comedy venture, "Our Idiot Brother", Rudd is an idiot with three sisters. He's not disabled-level stupid, because that would plunge everything into pathos. He is simple, odd, and well-meaning. Worst of all, we are to think of him as wise in some sort of convoluted way. Director Jesse Peretz is stuck with the premise, and yet he kind of pulls it all together with decent writing, courtesy of his sister, and performances by the rest of the cast that balances the idiocy of Rudd's character.
As the opening credits roll, Ned (Rudd), sells pot to a policeman dressed in uniform. This lands him a short stint in jail. When he gets out, he shuffles between his mother's house and his sisters' places. None of the sisters want him, but he is their brother, so they make the best of it.
All of the actresses portraying the sisters do a nice job, here. Elizabeth Banks is yearning to be a success and is a bit of a bitch. Emily Mortimer is the sweet one, who has her own troubles with her husband. Zooey Deschanel is the playful lesbian trying to make a go of her relationship - however she has done something to put the relationship on edge. It's their stories, plus Ned's ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend that keeps "Our Idiot Brother" afloat.
When it's all over, the sisters learn from their idiot brother that there is nothing wrong with telling the truth and being lovely and caring. It's all a bit over-the-top for my tastes but it never falls off a cliff into an endless crying jag of redeemed joy, which was good. The whole thing is pretty idiotic, so the title is at least accurate. If you're not expecting too much, you won't be disappointed. Then again, if you're expecting a lot when Rudd is your lead, this may not be the movie for you.
