Paul Rudd stars in "Our Idiot Brother"

Should Be Named “Our Awesome Brother”

Now here’s a comedy that’s unusual in our current film realm, one in which the main character creates all the laughs simply by being himself. No shocking scenes as in “Hangover Part II” or nauseating roommates, etc. I’m sure you get my drift. Paul Rudd stars as Ned who is the only boy in a family of three girls, Miranda, (Elizabeth Banks), Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and Liz, (Emily Mortimer). Ned’s mother is played by Shirley Knight and she states fairly early in the film, “Ned, I really love you even though you’ve never had a real job and though you’ve never given me any grandchildren.” Ned, simply smiles and says, goodnight after he’s forced back home with mom due to unfortunate circumstances.

Ned, isn’t so much of an idiot as the title implies and his self centered sisters like to talk about. He simply doesn’t have a cruel thought in his head. He’s too trusting and always tells the truth. His personality is more of a well meaning six year old who doesn’t have a clue about how the world works. At times, this character becomes almost fictional, as the behaviors are so insane. The great aspect about the writing is that the script has developed Ned to the point where we are not surprised how he’s going to behave, it becomes more of a treat to view the reactions of everyone else. This is a sweet, wonderful comedy that will surely entertain just about everyone, as Rudd displays his acting chops and carries the full load of the film from start to finish.

The beginning of the film finds Ned fresh out of jail for selling pot to a uniformed police officer, yes one in a uniform. He also discovers that his girlfriend, Janet (Kathryn Hahn) has replaced him with someone new. The kicker is she also refuses to give Ned his Golden Retriever back named Willie Nelson. Ned shows up at his mom’s house jobless, homeless and for all intent and purposes of a comedic theme− dogless. His sisters all give him support and brainstorm ideas for job prospects. The main crystal clear theme−none of them want Ned living with them. As the story unfolds, Ned ends up living with all of the sisters and whew...what a trip.

Vanity Fair writer, Miranda (Elizabeth Banks “The Next Three Days”2010) is high stressed and eager to please, has a scoop centering on a certain Princess. Ned ends up going on the interview and of course the Princess chitchats with Ned and forms a friendship bond while Miranda sits back and gawks in utter amazement. Natalie’s (Zooey Deschanel, “500 Days of Summer” 2009) bohemian lifestyle is intriguing to Ned and although he can’t understand why girlfriend Cindy (Rashida Jones, “Social Network” 2010) shouldn’t know about Miranda’s fling with her painter friend.

Sister Liz, (Emily Mortimer) is married and raising two children who are scheduled to the hilt and aren’t aloud to go on he internet − let alone play video games. Of course Ned disrupts their household routine and structure, especially when he tags along with hubby Christian (Hugh Dancy) to his film set in which Ned catches him with the main star and they’re both nude. Yes, there’s an explanation which Ned buys into, but when Ned casually tells one of the sisters all hell breaks loose.

Does Ned get his dog back? Does Ned stand up to his sisters? Does Ned ever get a job for more than a week? All of these questions are answered with plenty more plot lines to entertain.

Bottom-line: Highly entertaining film with a great supporting cast. You can’t help but love this character, even with his brutal honest ways. He’s just too sweet and a charmer of a guy.

Sarah Adamson ©August 26, 2011