Review: Our Idiot Brother

                   
                                    A Surprisingly Dramatic Comedy About A Lovable 'Idiot'

                  Over the years, we have seen Paul Rudd give good comedic performances in films like Knocked Up, I Love You, Man, and 40-Year-Old Virgin. But in Our Idiot Brother, where he probably gives his first lead performance, he gives his best performance to date where he not only showcases his comedic skills, but heavy drama as well.

                   Story:
                  Our Idiot Brother is about a hipster named Ned (Paul Rudd) who just got released from jail after selling pot to a police officer. He then stays with his three sisters Miranda, Liz, and Natalie(Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, Zooey Deschanel) who start to become flustered by his antics even though he is still optimistic after being released from jail.

                   What I Liked About It:
                  One thing that I liked was how the movie knows what it wants to be. Whenever a film that comes out that is both a drama and a comedy, it's unsure of itself. But Our Idiot Brother is a comedy that has dramatic elements pushing it forward, much like how Silver Linings Playbook is a drama with comedic elements pushing it forward.

                 Another thing about this film that I liked was of course, Paul Rudd's performance. His performance as Ned, the lovable loser who tries to do the right thing, only for it to backfire, is both funny and even heartbreaking. He is someone that is so likable that once he screws up, you can't help but feel sorry for him. There is even a scene towards the end where Ned has a big snap, and it sort of gave me the chills. I applaud the screenwriters for creating such an endearing and sympathetic character. The film manages even to show the flaws of Ned's sisters have. Miranda is someone that is devoted to her job yet once she is in a relationship, she tends to become too dominant. Liz is someone who is devoted to her family, yet is somewhat oblivious when she is told that her husband is having an affair and blames Ned when she finds out. Natalie is a carefree woman that is in a loving relationship, yet she is a little too carefree (I don't want to spoil anymore, so I'll leave it at that) Once Ned recognizes their flaws, they see it as just Ned being an idiot, but he is trying to help them improve their flaws.

                 What I Didn't Like About It:
                Nothing.

                 Consensus:
                Overall, Our Idiot Brother is a heartwarming yet dramatic comedy that features a terrific performance from Paul Rudd and shows how you can pick your friends and your spouses and such, but you can't pick your family.

Rating: 3.5/5