Shawn's Step Brothers Review

2008 Movie #73 - Step Brothers

I believe I made it clear in my review of Semi-Pro a few months ago that I like Will Ferrell. I also made it clear in that same review that I thought that movie was a huge mis-step but that maybe, just maybe it was time for him to switch up the routine a little bit. I also mentioned that while I certainly liked the idea of Ferrel doing an R-Rated comedy, Semi-Pro just felt like they were swearing purely because they knew they could.

Thankfully this movie changes all that. It's funny, very funny actually. Ferrell doesn't switch up things too much from his usual routine, but definitely takes a huge step forward from Semi-Pro. Finally this one makes good on the R rating. This thing is full of language and sex humour and it never feels like it's doing it for the sake of doing it. It feels like it's doing it because that shit is hilarious.

The premise is simple and I was a little worried that it would essentially be the one joke beaten to death for the entire running time of the movie. Although of course it mostly is Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly acting like vulgar 8 year olds for the most part, they always seem to find a way to keep it fresh and funny. A couple of scenes go on a little too long and aren't that funny but those scenes are featured in even my favourite Ferrell comedies. You just have to hold on to the hope that once that scene is over, the funny will come back and with this movie it almost always does just that.

It's nice to see the two leads team up again although I have to admit Talladega Nights is a little overrated I feel. Their chemistry is fantastic and you can tell that the majority of their dialogue is improvised. I also liked that the rest of the cast is given a chance to shine and be funny as well, it's not just a two man show.

Based on the trailers there was a lot of material cut out of this movie so I definitely am looking forward to the DVD because I'm sure it's going to be just loaded with good stuff. This is the first of what I'm hoping is a trilogy of great R rated comedies (the other two of course being Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder) and it's one that I definitely have to recommend. Unless of course you hate Will Ferrell cuz this one damn sure isn't going to change your mind about him.

**** / 5