On CLIPS In September, 2011
OUR IDIOT BROTHER 

An idealist stoner (Paul Rudd) upsets the lives of his sisters in this comedy from director Jesse Peretz.

TRIVIA: Jesse Peretz directed Paul Rudd in which 2001 theatrical comedy?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED R

After being released from prison, idealist stoner Ned (Paul Rudd) upsets the lives of his sisters Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and Liz (Emily Mortimer). “Our Idiot Brother” is an easy-going, but uneven, look at family dysfunction. There are a few genuine laughs and some lightweight drama, but most of what works is because of the endearing low-key performance of Paul Rudd. He has created a character who, like his sisters, you may not want to spend much time with, but you sincerely wish him the best of luck in life. Director Jesse Peretz wisely focuses on Rudd for most of this movie. Much of the plot revolves around Ned trying to get his best friend, a dog named Willie Nelson, back from his ex-girlfriend (Kathryn Hahn) and her new lovable hippie boyfriend (T.J. Miller). The supporting cast is excellent and rather large for a film that relies on one performance to succeed. Besides the three female leads, Steve Coogan is good as the uptight filmmaker husband of Liz. He has a wandering eye for his documentary subject and is caught by Ned. Rashida Jones, Adam Scott and Shirley Knight also add to the fun. Not for all tastes, the R rating is earned for its sexual content, including nudity and language. The title sibling almost makes up for the shortcomings of the story, but “Our Idiot Brother” falls short of brilliant.