'Our Idiot Brother' Is a Pretty Smart Comedy

Paul Rudd looks all hippie dippy as "Ned," an immature man-child who drives his family crazy in the film "Our Idiot Brother." Rudd spends most of the movie crashing on one sofa after another in a series of unfortunate events. 

Ned first lands at his sister Liz's house. Liz, played by Emily Mortimer, is an insecure Brooklyn mom married to Dylan (Steve Coogan). Ned quickly wears out his welcome and moves in with his sister Miranda, played by Elizabeth Banks, a writer for Vanity Fair. Finally he joins his artsy, bisexual bohemian sister Natalie, played by Zooey Deschanel. Ned has a knack for always saying or doing the wrong thing. He means well, but his sisters aren't putting up with it.

Rudd's character works in this film because his easy, charming sweetness and unpatronizing wisdom make him seem simply uninformed and candid, not stupid. He's part "Forrest Gump" in his passive innocence and part "dude" from "The Big Lebowski" in his look. "Our Idiot Brother" is not perfect, but it is idiot-proof.

This is a sweet film about how being clueless and positive can bring out the best in people. Rudd's live-and-let-live character comes across as genuine and proves someone so simple can right the lives of others -- even three troubled sisters.

The flick-o-meter gives "Our Idiot Brother" a solid three out of five. The strong cast of comedians helps in this film that plays heavily on lifestyles from the hippy to the Manhattan yuppy. It is warm and funny, and really, what is there not to love about a clueless granola cruncher? Plus, it is only 90 minutes long.

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So now you know before you go.

For Patch, I'm film critic Brett Martin.

After the Movie

Or before, if you so choose.  might offer just the right bite to go along with this casual, somewhat bohemian-themed movie. And even if you're running late, you can pick up a sandwich from the drive-thru on your way to the show. Rey's place is an authentic Cuban restaurant with a menu that features traditional Cuban appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. 

Showtimes

Great Escape Hamilton Mill 14 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway, Dacula, ‎12:05‎  ‎2:25‎  ‎4:45‎  ‎7:15‎  ‎9:25‎  ‎11:40pm‎

AMC Colonial 18 825 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Lawrenceville, 11:40am‎  ‎2:10‎  ‎4:40‎  ‎7:05‎  ‎9:25pm‎

GTC Beechwood 11 Cinemas 196 Alps Road, Athens, 1:10‎  ‎3:20‎  ‎5:30‎  ‎7:40‎  ‎10:00pm

‎Carmike 12 - Snellville 1905 Scenic Highway, Snellville, ‎1:20‎  ‎4:20‎  ‎7:20‎  ‎9:50pm

‎AMC Discover Mills 18 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 11:45am‎  ‎2:10‎  ‎4:35‎  ‎7:20‎  ‎9:50pm‎  ‎12:10am‎

Carmike 12 - Athens 1575 Lexington Road, Athens, ‎1:30‎  ‎4:35‎  ‎7:35‎  ‎10:00pm‎

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