I have to admit, I love Will Ferrell. The trouble is, when you love a guy, but his comedy starts to stink, and get stale, what do you do? This is what I was up against in the last few years with Ferrell's tiring attempts at comedy. So, when I decided to give this one a last ditch attempt and a final one more time, I have to say, I'm in love again. Step Brothers is an absolutely hilarious film.
From end to end, I don't remember the last time I've laughed this hard, without stop. This is what Ferrell needs to do, no more of those bio-spoofs of idiots that fall flat due to their tired joke. He is unstoppable as a part of an ensemble when he doesn't have to be the center of attention for an hour and half. Think not so funny but smart and witty.
Having a guy like John C. Reilly to play off of helps rein him in and give the audience a break, allowing the jokes to breath and not become stifled by the monotony of his schtick. The pairing of these two is a good combination. Reilly always plays it cool although he spices things just enough without going over the top like Ferrell get awfully into.
One of the refreshing points to this movie is that there is no romantic love interest. And many of the recent comedies starring Ferrell, there seems to be the token woman that he has to fall in love with and they have the awkward goofy romantic relationship. It seems like they've figured out that that's not necessary after all, people just want to go to the movies and laugh. This movie delivers on that point complete with gut wrenching bent over hilarious laughter.
Don't expect to see this one of the Oscars however. The movie's premise involves the get together of two older brothers who are almost in their 40s and are still living at home and with out any serious job prospects. Nancy Huff, (Mary Steenburgen showing that she is still around Hollywood), and Robert Doback, (Richard Jenkins letting his funny side out to complement the wonderful dramatic turn he gave in this year's The Visitor), are in love and perfect for one another.
With it to get together, their sons soon to be stepbrothers get to know each other. The two stepbrothers quickly realize that they are soulmates and are actually two children who were strapped in 40-year-old bodies. Thus, the comedy ensues. The chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly is unstoppable on screen, they are having fun, they must be improvising, and the movie continues to move forward with a great pace and lively energy.
As usual, this movies lined up with all the gags you can expect. The movie comes complete with rap music, grotesque singing, and of course gratuitous nudity. Give Ferrell a chance to rub his genitalia on Reilly's drumset. Wrap this all up with a whole bunch of swearing and were good to go. Surprisingly this movie did not receive and are raving. The fact that a couple lines from the trailer didn't make the final cut shows that the actors must have improvised and done multiple takes of each scene.
The movie makes use of director Apatow's genius, and delivers it in much the same way the movie Knocked Up did. Apatow and Ferrell combined with Reilly make an excellent combination and this is just another one in the steam roller hits that Apatow has come to be known for. If you enjoyed John C. Reilly in Walk hard: the Dewey Cox story, and Ferrell in movies like Elf, but you're sure to enjoy this one.
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