Jul 23 2008
MOVIE REVIEW: Step Brothers–Will Ferrell
Movie Review
Step Brothers
Starring: Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly
Rated R Columbia Productions 2008
How long can Will Ferrell last? I was watching a Reno 911 episode in which before Deputy Trudy Wiegel thought she was going to die, she wanted to thank Will Ferrell and she didn’t know why. I empathize with the sentiment. Ferrell has brought me the most genuine laughter above all other comedic actors. And when he is partnered up with Adam McKay, the unbridled laughter is almost a guarantee. But like with any hype, Will Ferrell’s limitations will inevitably accompany his video saturation. When Ferrell made films such as Kicking and Screaming and Elf, I wished he would make more adult-targeted comedies. Now that he is, I find some parts absolutely hilarious and other parts too lewd. Nonetheless, I appreciate Will Ferrell because of his natural ability to make almost any situation hilarious, and the majority of Step Brothers is no different.
Ferrell’s character is Brennan, a 40 year-old child forced to live with Dale (John C. Reilly) after their generous parents fall in love and get married. Ferrell tests the limits of crude humor and frankly, he wins. When goaded by Dale, his fellow free rider, Brennan is sometimes reserved. In one dinner scene, he breaks down into a silent cry and has to leave the room. At other times, Brennan unloads spastic outbursts. There is a hysterical drum scene that best reflects this split personality.
Step Brothers is absolutely ridiculous. The plot is weak, but that is not why people go and see Ferrell films. They go to laugh, and I sincerely laughed throughout. I will definitely see Step Brothers again. However, I could not help but wonder how much longer Ferrell’s improvisations will continue to humor me. Hopefully, for much longer. But as a pragmatist, I can only be skeptical.
My friend proposed that the epitome of improvisational comedy would be a Will Ferrell-Dave Chappelle movie, where Will plays the black man and Dave Chappelle, of course, plays the straight-laced white man. Such a juxtaposition would result in a definite laugh riot. Hopefully Will and Dave can understand this equation and encourage their respective agents to work together and produce a film. To read other movie reviews by Jason Alyesh, click here
One Response to “MOVIE REVIEW: Step Brothers–Will Ferrell”
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Oh yes he is excellent I really like Colin Ferrell as well he is so funny. I’m mad about The Osbourne’s espescially Sharon Osbourne she makes me laugh the most. I know she’s not what you would call a comedienne, but she makes me laugh every time. Great blog I enjoyed reading it.