Our Idiot Brother

Whoa, man! I have not reviewed a movie in a looooong time but I watched "Our Idiot Brother" this morning and it was such a gem that I had to write about it.

This was one of those movies that comes out and then you never hear anything about it so you don't go see it. I think I was also in Seattle at the time it came out and since movies tickets are like, $11 there, that probably contributed to me not seeing this movie at the theater. Well, I'm glad that I spotted it at the library and snatched it up because I loved it!

Paul Rudd was an absolute delight in this film, I'd even go as far as saying he was sunshine. I don't think this movie would have worked without him in the title role of Ned (the idiot brother). His character is just so sincere, optimistic and honest that you can't help but love him. I've had a mad crush on him since "Clueless" but this might be my favorite Paul Rudd performance. His character reminded me so much of Jeff Bridge's the Dude (my may be my all-time favorite fictional character) and that instantly made me have an affection for Ned.

I also liked that this film had an ensemble cast. Ned's neurotic sisters were the perfect contrast to his idealism. I didn't know that Rashida Jones was even in this film and she was killer in her role as Natalie's (Zooey Deschanel) girlfriend. Adam Scott also popped in the film and was adorable, as usual. 

If you don't know anything about the story I'll give an extremely brief summary. Ned is an organic farmer who tries to do a brother a solid by selling him some weed, unfortunately this brother happens to be a uniformed policeman. After getting out of jail early (for being voted the most pleasant prisoner 4 months in a row) Ned finds he has nowhere to go since his girlfriend who he lived with on her farm has a new boyfriend and has to stay with his sisters. He inability to lie wreaks havoc in their "comfortable" lives and they're all forced to house him at some point. I won't give anymore away but I will say that Ned's optimism is contagious and eventually rubs off on everyone around him.

So, yeah, SEE THIS MOVIE! (I'm already ready to watch it again!)

I grant this movie four pugs.