logan j. fowler and bill bodkin look at the new Paul Rudd comedy …
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Rent (but possibly Theater).
Once a movie mentions the name Paul Rudd, I instantly become interested. As a man who has been in two of my favorite comedies (Role Models and I Love You, Man), and stole all the scenes-regardless of his smaller roles — in Judd Apatow directed or produced flicks (Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), he has quickly moved to the top of Logan’s “actors to watch” list. Also featuring some of Rudd’s co-stars from his earlier films (Rashida Jones and Elizabeth Banks), the cast also included Adam Scott, who had me in stitches for Starz’ short-lived series Party Down, and had a hilarious small role on HBO’s Eastbound And Down. Now with that all out of the way, Our Idiot Brother looks like a quirky comedy, possibly raunchy, but with heart. Between that, the casting, and the good vibes I got from the trailer, I may not get a chance to catch the film in the theater, but it’s definitely going be a top choice when it comes time for rental.
— LJF
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Rent.
Like my esteemed colleague, I too am a fan of Paul Rudd. However, Our Idiot Brother, has me a bit concerned. The trailer portrays a film that could indeed be very funny, but there’s something about it that doesn’t sit right with me. It feels as though Rudd’s character would be better suited as a supporting character rather than the lead. The film has this feel of a popular supporting character from hit movie that was given a sequel, much like Russell Brand’s Aldous Snow character in Get Him To The Greek. It also reminds me of the “dumb” comedies from the mid-’90s, movies like Bushwhacked, The Stupids, Trial and Error etc., where the main character was just … dumb. It just seems very one-note to me. This is my main reason why I won’t be seeing this in the theater. However, my interest in this film has not been completely quelled. This is still Paul Rudd, who’s never let me down in any comedy and he’s starring with three very capable comedic actresses (Rashida Jones, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel) as well as the always hilarious Adam Scott (don’t believe me — watch Step Brothers). So it’s got solid comedy chops. And who knows maybe this will just be a fun, breezy comedy a la the aforementioned Step Brothers, no poet laureate dialogue, but still just gut bustingly funny. In the end it’s a toss-up, so I’ll wait for DVD.
— BB
I felt like this movie had a bit of an indie give to it, and had the chance of going a slightly more serious route. Maybe it’s the presence of Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer. This doesn’t turn me off per se, but I just hope it delivers the funny and doesn’t overload on the serious, a la “Greenberg”. A good balance could make for a decent flick, possible range-expander for Rudd.