Our Idiot Brother

 

A leading man who would use the expression “geez louise” over the F-word is foreign to us in the movies. “Our Idiot Brother’s” Ned proves a character doesn’t have to be a silly man-child to be free of cynicism, snark, bitterness and charm.

Discovering Ned’s ability to survive in the real world (and similarly in the movies) of negativity and deceit is the appeal of this loving and warm indie comedy. That’s because “Our Idiot Brother” is not a film of Ned’s growth but of his sisters.

Ned (Paul Rudd) enters into the lives of his three sisters (Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer) after he charitably, but unwisely, sells a uniformed cop some marijuana.

They take him in as he tries to get back on his feet after a short bout in prison, and along the way label Ned an idiot because he doesn’t seem to live in the real world. But we realize Ned is living in the world we should live in.

Is Ned an idiot because he’s the only one not faking his sincerity? The people who are really blind are the sisters who are likeable, but don’t share Ned’s honesty, lack of hidden agendas, trust in others and budding optimism.

Paul Rudd anchors the title character’s playful amiability with down-to-Earth realism. Ned’s hippy goodness and faith in humanity is made less of a broad caricature by Rudd’s patented ability to perform naturally and with authenticity.

His genuine charms shuttle us through an intelligent character comedy free of too many sight gags and raunchy one-liners. This is a film that finds a way to get a laugh out of a line like “Trust me, I’ve been another candle,” and feel somewhat modern and edgy while doing it.

But since Ned practically functions as the plot device that will guide his sisters’ growth, perhaps their character development is spread too thinly across three people. Deschanel, Banks and Mortimer all deliver equally personable performances and have strong chemistry with their respected romantic partners, Rashida Jones, Adam Scott and Steve Coogan. The strength in all three however makes me question the potential of focusing more on just an individual.

“Our Idiot Brother” is a warm, good-hearted comedy that does more than just employ characters who avoid cynicism. They are characters who are glad to make us happy and leave with a smile.

3 ½ stars

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