Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Our Idiot Brother (2011)

What is it about? 

A hippy, idealist brother unintentionally changes and reveals the truths in the lives of his sisters when he barges into each of their lives. 

Who is in it? 

Paul Rudd - Ned Rochlin

Zooey Deschanel - Natalie Rochlin

Emily Mortimer - Liz Rochlin

Elizabeth Banks - Miranda Rochlin

Favorite Scene: 

After Emily and her husband have forced their son River into certain values to prepare him for a prestigious school, Ned's eventual influence comes through during his interview.

Favorite Quote: 

Omar: [speaking extremely slowly] I'm Officer Omar Coleman. I'm your parole officer.
Ned: I'm Ned Rochlin. Why are you talking so slow?
Omar: [now speaking normally] I just figured, looking at your sheet, that since you sold grass to a uniformed police officer that you must be retarded.
Ned: Yeah, I get that a lot. 
---
Ned: I like to think that if you put your trust out there; if you really give people the benefit of the doubt, see their best intentions, people will rise to the occasion.

Review:

Our Idiot Brother isn't exactly the movie you expect it to be. If you expect over-the-top silliness like I did, then be prepared to be shocked, or at the least, eased. This film continues the long line of films from the crew in this cast of a very simple plot, a very simple moral, and simple dry humor we've come to see from the previous films they've been in. 

Paul Rudd, excels in the role of Ned as the hipster oblivious brother. As usual, classic Rudd delivers his patented dose of awkward and hilarious dialogue with others throughout the film. The rest of the cast is the perfect blend for Rudd as they support the overall comedic style of the film. This is especially seen in Ned's dialogue with Jeremy, played by Adam Scott, and Billy, played by comedian, T.J. Miller. 

Our Idiot Little Brother isn't near a blockbuster or a must-see, but it is not a bad watch. It's a simple movie with lots of humor with a nice message thrown in. The perfect film for a rainy day, or to kill sometime. 

Grade: 1.75/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

TNA Slammiversary 2025 Review: "One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended"

One of the best TNA shows that I've ever attended.  That has been the bottom line regarding my immediate my thoughts on TNA Slammiversary 2025 since it my son and I walked away from UBS Arena. I attended the - the - record-breaking show for the company this past weekend in Long Island, NY, and it brought back so many feelings that I had for this company in the past, as well as created new ones in the process.  I've been fortunate enough to attend many TNA shows throughout the company's existence, including all the turbulent years. From barns, small theaters, convention halls, and historic, but smaller, venues like the Manhattan Center, there was a very surreal aura about sitting in an area for a TNA show.  In the words of Real1 (who made an appearance on the Countdown to Slammiversary)... Well, well, well...whatta we got here!  For this long-time fan, the aura and environment were pretty cool. Being part of a record-breaking night was pretty cool. Sharing that momen...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...