Review of Step Brothers (2008) by Junelkean — 08 Jul 2017

Ever since Adam McKay and Jude Apatow launched family-friendly comedy movies like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Anchroman”, the track record of comedies got back on track, and Step Brothers is one of the examples of their collaboration as director and producer. Will Ferell and John C. Reilly play overgrown but slow-learning men who have to get along and be step brothers after their parents (Steenburgen & Jenkins) got hooked. Ferell and Reilly's chemistry as childish 40-year-olds are effective while watching on screen. Some gags work frequently and have a substance to the development of their characters and relationship. Moreover, the roles of Steenburgen, Jenkins and Scott also help to add entertainment value and balance the family-themed tone of the story.

Yes, Ferell and Reilly share the same vibe, interests, charisma and humor, but that is also the main flaw of Step Brothers. The movie mistakenly becomes a joke as two of the lead actors play the same one note juvenile character.

VERDICT: Too juvenile it becomes sort of a sketch comedy, which is a good thing.