Paul Rudd is a talented actor who has recently become typecast as âThe Cynical Straight Manâ. Heâs recently been seen throwing sarcastic comments next to a wacky friend in movies like Role Models, I Love You Man, and Dinner for Schmucks despite showcasing his versatility in movies like Anchorman and The Shape of Things. My Idiot Brother gives Rudd the chance to play the complete opposite of his unfortunate typecasting and the result is a warm, funny, and completely winning performance. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, My Idiot Brother goes for broad laughs but with Rudd as the filmâs heart, those laughs always feel earned.Ned (Rudd) is a sweet guy but entirely too trusting. After going to jail for selling weed to a uniformed officer, Ned comes out looking for a place to live and, more importantly, the companionship of his trusty dog, Willie Nelson. Unfortunately, his former lover (Kathryn Hahn) is having none of it and Ned is forced to take up residence with his sisters Liz (Emily Mortimer), Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), and Nat (Zooey Deschanel) as he plots to get Willie Nelson back. However, each of his sisters is dealing with their own baggage. Lizâ marriage is in jeopardy, Miranda is on the cusp of having a breakthrough article for Vanity Fair, and Nat is beginning to feel estranged from her girlfriend Cindy (Rashida Jones). Nedâs involvement in their lives highlights the conflict simmering beneath the surface of his sistersâ lives, even though heâs not to blame for their problems.The majority of My Idiot Brother follows a pattern: Ned Lives with Sister, Ned Unwittingly Discovers Problem in Sisterâs Life, Ned Accidentally Brings Problem to Light, Sister Kicks Him Out to Live with Another Sister. However, the film never feels redundant because the the performances are terrific and director Jesse Peretz keeps flipping between the sistersâ plotlines so the pacing stays lively.Ruddâs performance is worth the price of admission alone. Ned isnât really an idiot as much as heâs far too trusting. As he explains to another character, he trusts people because he believes that if you treat people as you want them to be, theyâll live up to your expectations. Ned isnât necessarily stupid or childish as much as he doesnât possess an ounce of cynicism. Sadly, the film doesnât real force Ned to grow and learn some caution, but heâs such a lovable character that his stasis doesnât become a big problem.Not only is Rudd terrific, but heâs got a wonderful supporting cast backing him up. Even though the film is only 95 minutes, every actor has the time and talent to establish their character. Other than Rudd, the standouts are Steve Coogan as Dylan, Lizâ snotty husband, and T.J. Miller as Billy, the incredibly friendly new boyfriend of Nedâs ex. Coogan and Miller are in only a handful of scenes, but they are brilliant. Coogan is so good at playing a douchebag but in a way that feels fresh, and Miller is so lovable that at the end of the film I wanted to see a sequel following the adventures of Ned and Billy.My Idiot Brother is a light film and the broad comedy, while hilarious, wonât really stay with you. But in its relatively short run time, itâs plenty of fun and filled with great comic performances. Itâs all held together by Rudd who proves once again that while he can be a reliable straight man, heâs got so much more to offer audiences.Rating: BFor all of our coverage of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, click here. Also, here are links to all of my Sundance reviews so far:
Sundance 2011: MY IDIOT BROTHER Review
My Idiot Brother review. At Sundance 2011, Matt reviews Jesse Peretz's My Idiot Brother starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, and Zooey Deschanel.