Review of Step Brothers (2008) by Andrewburge — 30 Jul 2018

There is a certain beauty in Adam McKay's 'Step Brothers'. A childish innocence which could have been this film's mark to greatness. Unfortunately this approach is often ignored in favor of screwball comedy which would be fine, but a few set-pieces at attempting humor are more screwball than comedy.

To be honest, I expected more from the man who directed cult classics like the 'Anchorman' series and even tackled with Oscar-worthy material in 'The Big Short'. Here, though, the story of two middle-aged men living with their parents is often riddled with awkward pacing and failed attempts at comedy. One such example is when Brennan Huff (Will Ferrell)'s brother, which has a successful career and an apparently happy family arrives into the scene and his wife, mentally damaged by his mannish control is having sexual intercourse with Dale Doback (John C. Reilly). They are nearly caught by the family but through a ridiculous explanation they get away with it. I was prepared to turn a blind eye to this in favor of comedy, but it happened twice.

Do not get me wrong. This film has funny moments. Just about enough to grant it a passing note, but then getting close to the ending, everything turns into the typical idealistic pathos. Seriously, is like watching a prolonged yogurt commercial. Also, this decay starts really early being a transitional slope from mediocrity to lackluster happy ending shtick.

Screwball comedy is a dangerous concept to work with. It is fragile and has a cheap and immature aesthetic which needs to be balanced carefully. When it works is brilliant, tongue-and-cheek; but when it doesn't, it can get a bit stupid. So yeah, 'Step Brothers' definitely has humor, thanks in part to Reilly and the screwball master himself, Will Ferrell, is just that it breaks too often.