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Here is a fact: Writer Adam McKay brings the best out of Will Ferrell. Their first movie, “Anchorman,” was a hilarious film full of interesting characters and one-liners. “Talladega Nights” was a solid comedy that showed Ferrell and John C. Reilly were one funny duo. Now, McKay, Ferrell and Reilly have teamed up for the funniest movie of the year.
“Step Brothers” combines the sheer randomness and comedic setups of “Talladega Nights” with the crude humor and vulgar gags of “Waiting...” The result is the funniest movie that has been made since “Superbad.”
The film begins with the marriage of two older professionals, each of whom have middle-aged sons who are dependent. The marriage forces the four adults to move in together. The tension between the two sons, Brennan (Ferrell) and Dale (Reilly), is immediately palpable. The two lightly poke each other at first, but the pokes eventually turn into stabs and physical altercation ensues.
The two step brothers can’t stand each other until Brennan’s younger brother, Derek (Adam Scott), and his family come to visit Dale, Brennan and their parents. As Derek schmoozes his new stepfather, Dale and Brennan realize they’re not so different and become friends.
From there, the plot really doesn’t matter. The two step brothers are essentially 9-year-olds trapped in the bodies of 40-year-old men. This movie is about the adventures that Dale and Brennan encounter and the schemes they concoct as they search for new careers and face adulthood.
The comedic chemistry between Reilly and Ferrell is outstanding. Ferrell is much better when he isn’t the center of attention for an entire movie (like “Semi-Pro) and he has someone as funny as Reilly to play off of. The jokes and one-liners are well-timed, and, unlike it does in some other movies, the added vulgarity makes them even funnier.
The trailers make it seem like “Step Brothers” is another PG-13 Ferrell affair, but in reality, it is dirty and full of salty language. It is a very crude film, but it isn’t crude to shock. It’s crude for the sake of comedy.
“Step Brothers” is definitely worth seeing if you have ever enjoyed a Will Ferrell film or any of Judd Apatow’s movies. In fact, it is probably one of the better pictures they have made. It’s crass, stupid and childish, but that’s what makes it worthwhile.
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