rupert303
Posts: 1737
Joined: 31/7/2008 From: A Big Geek Pie
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Ok, so you know what you're gonna get when it comes to Will Ferrell and comedies: a big, curly haired doofus with a redicoulous name clowning around and mugging to the camera. Most people will have already made up their mind on this very Marmite brand of humour - and Step Brothers is unlikely to win over any previous doubters. Personally, I've always had a soft spot for the Ferrell, so was happy to chuckle along (with a few belly laughs) at his perticular brand of slightly surreal, but ultimately harmless gooning over statments. John C. Reilly (who seems to have found his calling with comedy) is, once again, a good foil. And Farrell (who co-wrote) generously gives him an equal share of the winning lines. This turns Step Brothers is a proper double act buddy movie, rather then the usual Farrell and sidekick routine, giving the film a more natural balance. The plot, as it is, revolves around two useless goof-offs (Ferrell and Reilly) in their late thirty's living at home, who's parents marry. After an intial distrust, they discover they share a near identical personality type - which basicly means winding up their folks and indulging their every will. Yes, it's contrived, but some of the set peices are very funny and just about original enough to not get all 'seen it all before, yawn'. The sleep walking skits, in particular, had me in stiches. The problem lies in the film's central purpose: is it a praody on middle aged geeks or just an excuse for Ferrell to go through his obsession with childlike enthusiam and cany turn of phrase? I could never decide, which means Step Brothers falls well bellow the genius of Anchorman, but it's well paced and the rapore between the leads raises it above some of Ferrell's more recent outings like Semi Pro. Big Will fans will enjoy it, so go see if Farrell's your bag. Others should wait for the DVD, and perhaps have a few beers at home to increase your chances of laughs.
< Message edited by rupert303 -- 26/8/2008 8:44:13 AM >
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