My last blog was harsh on Paul Rudd but Our Idiot Brother more than makes up for that and reminds me why he is amongst my favorite actors. Our Idiot Brother is another take on a coming of age story. Ted (Paul Rudd) gets arrested after selling pot to a cop (on duty). The story picks up after Ted finally gets out of prison, for good behavior. This would be nice if it didn't affect the lives of his three sisters. Ted is a happy go lucky, honest, carefree hippie. He loves his family but his naive ways cause many problems for them. Miranda (Elizabeth Banks) is a workaholic whose best friend is Jeremy (Adam Scott), Ted causes problems between the two when he mentions the idea of romance. Ted also causes work related problems for Miranda when he refuses to divulge information gained from a woman that would allow Miranda to write an article. Ted involves himself in the life of his other sister Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and ruins her relationship with girlfriend, Cindy (Rashida Jones) when he lets out that Natalie is pregnant from an affair. He also ends his sister Liz's (Emily Mortimer) marriage when he implies an affair is taking place between her husband and his client.
Ted is a likable character (unless you're related to him). Despite their flaws, his honesty and happiness are inspiring. The story is also tied up in a nice little bow that shows each character has grown from the experience, and rather than the outcomes being negative, they are positive and insightful. The movie itself makes the viewer feel touched and happy, wishing they had a Ted in their life.
The endings to Diggers and Our Idiot Brother are one and the same, Paul Rudd rides into the distance, dog companion at his side. And while both movies hold the same morals, I believe Our Idiot Brother teaches it better.
Overall Review: Watch!
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