Step Brothers (2008)
Coarse language, nudity and sexual references
| Directors: | Adam Mckay, Judd Apatow (Producer) |
| Actors: | Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen, Richard Jenkins, Adam Scott |
They grow up so fast. Spoiled guys Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell) and Dale Doback (John C Reilly) become competitive step-brothers after their single parents get hitched.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 98mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
He ain't heavy (well he's kind of heavy)
by Simon Miraudo, 25/09/2008 10:14:00 AM
You only needed one look at the poster for Step Brothers to know exactly what this film would be like. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, acting like oversized 13-year olds for an hour and a half. They deliver, that's for sure. Anyone who goes in with those expectations will walk out pretty pleased. However, if you're not a fan of Ferrell's manchild shtick, don't expect to be converted by Step Brothers. In fact, I would even go as far to say this is a 'fan's only' affair. Everyone else has been warned. It's love at first sight when elegant divorcee Nancy Huff (Steenburgen) meets widower Robert Doback (Jenkins). Within months they're married, ready to retire and sail around the world. Only problem of course, is they both have 40-year-old sons still living at home. And not in the 'living-at-h...
You only needed one look at the poster for Step Brothers to know exactly what this film would be like. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, acting like oversized 13-year olds for an hour and a half. They deliver, that's for sure. Anyone who goes in with those expectations will walk out pretty pleased. However, if you're not a fan of Ferrell's manchild shtick, don't expect to be converted by Step Brothers. In fact, I would even go as far to say this is a 'fan's only' affair. Everyone else has been warned.
It's love at first sight when elegant divorcee Nancy Huff (Steenburgen) meets widower Robert Doback (Jenkins). Within months they're married, ready to retire and sail around the world. Only problem of course, is they both have 40-year-old sons still living at home. And not in the 'living-at-home-to-save-some-money-and-finally-get-my-own-place' way. More like 'living-at-home-to-watch-nudie-flicks-and-eat-as-much-cheese-as-I-like' way. Nancy's son Brennan (Ferrell) is ultra-sensitive, while Robert's son Dale (Reilly) is ultra confrontational. The two boys hate each other, particularly when they find out they have to share a room. They spend their first night warning the other not to sleep, and informing them of the unspeakable acts they will do to one another. It's a creepy scene.
That is pretty much the story of Step Brothers. There is none of the genius 'biopic spoofing' structure seen in Talladega Nights. Nor is there even a threadbare 'panda pregnancy'-esque arc as seen in Anchorman. Step Brothers has no story. Zilch. It picks up story threads like loose change, and makes sure to ditch each one within 10 minutes. Sure, the guys eventually team up in the face of a common enemy: Brennan's Vanilla Ice loving brother Derek (Scott). They also go to some job interviews (which go disastrously) and then attempt to set up their own multinational entertainment company (which goes even worse). But all these plots are pretty much there to enhance the 'Will and John are Brothers!' concept.
That's not to say it's bad. I really liked the fact there was no real story to follow. I could honestly say that I did not expect what these two guys were going to do next. The whole film was an absurd celebration of immaturity and aimlessness. There is barely enough time between scenes to comprehend the madness that has just occurred. 'Look, here's Brennan and Dale getting beaten up by children - wait, over there! It's Brennan and Dale in a rap video! No, quick, over here - Brennan and Dale are dressing up as Nazi's and Klansmen!"
As I mentioned earlier, I think most people already know whether or not they will like this movie. I've heard a lot of people say they are sick of Ferrell's antics, and claim he does the same thing in every film. Call me crazy - but I actually thought Brennan was a nice twist on Ferrell's usual characters. He's a sensitive soul, with the voice of an angel (described by Dale as a mix of Fergie and Jesus), who just wants to be with his mommy. Then there is Dale, who is the aggressive teenager that no one understands. I think (and yes, I realise how crazy it is to say this), there is some really good acting on behalf of this duo. Maybe I'm an apologist, maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see, or maybe I'm just a stupid 20-year-old guy who loves dumb comedies. Or maybe all three.
A lot of credit needs to go to the supporting cast, particularly Adam Scott as the insufferable Derek, and Mary Steenburgen as Brennan's clingy mother. Late in the film, she is accused of being an 'enabler'. With a kid like Brennan, she seems more like a hostage. (By the way, Steenburgen is looking pretty fine for a 55 year old). The problem is, Step Brother's just didn't have the 'crying-with-laughter' effect of McKay's earlier efforts. It's definitely a step-up from Ferrell's Semi-Pro, and it was also great to see the brilliant Reilly in another funny role, especially after the amazing Walk Hard. But this time, I didn't leave the cinema with millions of funny lines racing around my head, and by the time I got home I could barely remember the majority of the film. However, you can't deny that the film is great anarchic fun. So if you've already seen WALL-E, and you're choosing between this and Eagle Eye this weekend, I hope you make the right choice.
3.5/5
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Member Reviews (57)
57 Member
Reviews
Murray Smith
says
I like Will Ferrell in general and Stepbrothers did'nt disappoint along with John C Reilly they made a formidable duo albeit not liking each other at the start , I would say you would need to be a fan to fully appreciate it ,but still worth a look , some swearing and some adult themes, another movie with a brother theme with Will Ferrell was A Night at the Roxbery I liked.
Lachy F
says
Pretty bad. These two have made an art form out of puerile crap for years now. There is no art to this one, however.
Sue F
says
It was o.k. Will Farrell was better in Land of the Lost, which was so stupid, it was very funny.
This storyline was expected.
Robyn
says
This movie is possibly the worst I have ever seen. No redeeming features!
m
says
watch grown men acting like 8 year old boys? Why bother.
A waste of time!
Lorin
says
I absolutely love this movie! I rate it as one of my favorites.
Kate
says
Loved it! Don't know how people can say they don't. It's not a film for the young ones, but an absolutely hilarious film. The interaction between Reilly and Ferrell is fantastic, and they both act great! I definitely recommend.
curls
says
Well Feral & John Reilly hang your head in shame this has got to be your worst since "blades of Glory" This was just crass American Humour that stopped to a level of useless contant bad language . If you want Funny get a Steve Martin movie . These guys are not funny .
DCS
says
Absolutely awful, do not waste a minute of your time on this one.
Kim
says
Terrible movie, with really poor "frat" type humour which wasn't even funny. I think this was a total waste of my time and I wouldn't recommend anyone bother watching it.
Kathy H
says
One of the funniest movies ever! For parents who can relate to bratty kids, this is typical behaviour but in adults. If your a person who takes life too seriously then you won't find this funny, but if you are a person who can laugh at most funny things, you will wet yourself laughing.
Jo
says
Very disappointing - loved "Taledagga Nights" but Stepbrothers definitely falls short of the mark. Not nearly as many laughs as other Ferrell/Reilly movies...
Kylie
says
Very funny movie, worth watching.
Bron
says
This was a lot unfunnier than I expected it to be. Mildly amusing at times but generally very juvenile, dumb humour - and I rate my sense of humour as fairly juvenile at times, but I do expect it to be funny or witty, and really this was neither. Males aged 15-30 may find it very funny. Rated MA15 for good reason - lots of swearing
Angelo L.
says
Typical Will Ferrell, like most of his other comedies, full of swearing. A little predictable, not as good as Talledega Nights. There's plenty of other better comedies out there.
Joanne M.
says
what a waste of time. I can't understand how people would find this funny..
Nessie
says
I cannot believe i actuallt watched the whole thing! I wanted the movie to end 15 minutes after it had started. I can usually find humour in anything but there were scenes in this that just made you feel sorry for Will. Yes, there was the occasionally funny one liner, but that's it! They were trying to go for a teenage audience and failed badly, i would rather watch Ben Hur to be honest, at least theres some history and education of war in it.
Mara
says
Was alright but nothing I would go out of my way to watch. Plenty of other funny movies out there.
Sharon C.
says
Absolutely stupid and cringeworthy. I was embarrassed to find myself actually sitting thru to the end. Totally ridiculous and a waste of time.
Leigh R.
says
This is a classic movie to watch on a friday evening after a few beers. I couldn't stop laughing at the shenanigans!!
Kyle
says
This movie is very funny.,
but some of the jokes and funny bits aren't that funny.
and it can get a bit boring in the movie when they arent being there funny selves.
3/5 stars
worth watching just once.
Ross
says
not remotely funny
Michelle
says
I found this movie to be quite funny. Will and John play their parts extremely well (maybe a little too well!! lol) Easy to follow, not believable at all, but a good movie to have a laugh.
Kylie C.
says
hmm, not what i thought, a bit a swearing in there, but i didnt really find it funny and i like Will but just not in this film. Turned off half way through.
yeo44
says
we could not make any sence of this movie at all,couldn,t make any sence of all the bad language that frequented throughour the movie
Jaye H.
says
GREAT movie. Plenty of laugh out-loud moments, a fair bit of swearing so not for the young. Far better then Blades of Glory in my opinion.
Pamela
says
I'm sorry but I thought the film was very childish.
Ling
says
hilariously funny.. but a bit stupid..
Kirstie M.
says
some very funny scenes language a bit crude for youngsters but a very enjoyable movie liked it a lot
Bridget
says
Very funny characters, 40yos who behave like adolescents!! Corny all ends well plot but worth watching, lots of laugh out loud moments.
Siew
says
Typical Hollywood crap! A waste of time!
Tina
says
Super funny. Watched it again before sending it back. You do have to like this kind of silly humour, and if its up your alley then it won't let you down.
larryroberts
says
we were not happy with this movie could not watch all of it we are not prudes but too much swearing for our liking not really necessary for the amount of this type of language
Jennie S.
says
This movie rocks!! I laughed so hard I nearly cried!! I really never thought I could like another Will Ferrell movie after some of the cringey latest offerings, but this is just fantastic!
Krystie W.
says
It's cool, has it's moments of classic in the gutter comedy which i love but not quite as good as i'd wanted. Still fun and i enjoyed it!!
Rachel
says
OMG!!! you will love this iven though they sware it is sooo funny!!!!!! i love it but it is each to their own!!!
Cameron S.
says
If my mother was watching it she'd say it was 'gutter material'... its about 2 boys who stay at home and never grew up.
They are just as immature, just as stupid, just as annoying and just as disgusting... anyone who watched it in my house fast forwarded most of the movie!
I've got to say - not one I will ever be recommending or watching again. This looked so good as a trailer, but as a film... totally disapointing
Miriam
says
This movie was no thing like i expected it to be. It was boring and so silly (not in a funny way) that it made it extrememly hard to sit through. I didnt actually finish this movie.
ka-tet
says
For some reason I went into this with low expectations, and for some reason I could not stop laughing. They went for gross out laughs without needing to they went for the absurd, and kept the heart of the movie beating. Will Ferrell seemed more of a supporting after thought on Saturday Night Live yet his movies have him without peer, in a group that includes Adam Sandler and Mike Myers.
Timothy O.
says
i was expecting another run of the mill comedy but this completely took me by suprise. some absolutely hilarious scenes with a great dynamic between reilly and ferrell. i highly recommend it.
Philip
says
Pathetic - absolute rubbish - those responsible for producing this rubbish should be taken out at dawn and shot.
Letitia
says
Very Funny - Quite crude
Lauren
says
Funny Funny Funny, we laughed our pants off!!
John
says
Hilarious! As always Will Ferrell takes it to the edge of ridiculous, but keeps it there for non-stop laughs
Janine
says
Boys movie. I hated it but husband, brothers etc laughed a lot. Watch commentary.
Ratana C.
says
Watching two adult men behave worse than 4 year olds is hysterical and I laughed myself to tears. We had to pause the movie 3x just to catch our breath for the next scene.
Favourites were the job interview and the sleepwalking scenes. Slapstick at it's best-tainted by too much swearing but if you can get past this- a hilarious comedy!
Belinda
says
about time there was a new movie that made me laugh hard.excellent
Jan K.
says
Very funny - greatly enjoyed it.
stix1
says
I think the critic review UrbanCinefile just about sums this movie up. Very immature & juvenile. Would suit someone who would watch anything stupid
Amour S.
says
As funny as always, and shocking to the hilt!!! I like the sleepwalking scenes - they must have watched sleepwalkers to get the movements. I did a lot of laughing while watching this movie. If you like Will Ferrell' s style of humour you will enjoy this one. And I see Will and John wrote the screenplay. Good movie, watch this one.
Christopher Suren
says
Useless rubbish, adults acting like 5 year olds, Very silly !
Kylie C.
says
Wasn't as funny as i remember when i watched it in the cinema, there are still a few laugh out loud moments but not as many as i thought.
Anita S.
says
If you enjoy watching grown men behave like young children, this is the film for you.
Naquita S.
says
This is a really great comedy!! Definately a must see... but perhaps a little too much swearing in it. Maybe not one for the younger kids to watch.
It is definately funny from the very beginning to the very end. Great movie and highly recommended. :)
Andrew H.
says
I didn't think it was as good as Blades of Glory or Talledega Nights but still plenty of laughs for fans of WIll Ferrell's brand of humour. The roles suit him and John C Reilly almost too much.
Crozzo
says
I think they had more fun making it than translates onto the screen although there are several funny moments/situations in the film. I do think Will Ferrell should have given the script a bit more thought rather than relying on spontaneity - there is constant over the top swearing and as much crudeness as can physically be crammed in, but then that IS Will Ferrell's type of humour. - but they look like they had a lot of fun (see special features)
Neil H.
says
Ferrell. Reilly. McKay. Need I Say More?
Add the hilarious Richard Jenkins, the youthful Mary Steenburgen and a hilarious turn from Adam Scott as Will Ferrell's more successfull little brother and you've got a treat of a movie.
'Boats and Hoes'