Roger Ebert Reviews: Step Brothers - "Sometimes I think I am living in a nightmare."

[DS1]

:rofl:


Is this funny? Anything can be funny. Let me provide an example. I am thinking of a particular anatomical act. It is described in explicit detail in two 2008 movies, "Step Brothers" and the forthcoming "Tropic Thunder." In "Step Brothers," it sounds dirty and disgusting. In "Tropic Thunder," described by Jack Black while he is tied to a tree and undergoing heroin withdrawal, it's funny.

Same act, similar descriptions. What's the difference? It involves the mechanism of comedy, I think. The Jack Black character is desperately motivated. He will offer to do anything to be released. In "Step Brothers," the language is simply showing off by talking dirty. It serves no comic function, and just sort of sits there in the air, making me cringe.

I know, I know, four-letter language is the currency of a movie like this, and many of the other films Judd Apatow produces. I would be lying if I said I was shocked. I would also be lying if I said I had no taste, or judgment of comic strategy. I'm sure I've seen movies with more extreme language than "Step Brothers," but here it seems to serve no purpose other than simply to exist. In its own tiny way, it lowers the civility of our civilization.

Now what about the violence? These two adult children do horrible things to each other. The movie must be particularly proud of one scene, because they show part of it in the trailer. Dale thinks he has killed Brennan by slamming him with the cymbal of his drum set. He rolls him in a rug and prepares to bury him in the lawn. Brennan comes to, bangs Dale with the shovel and starts to bury him alive.


http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/REVIEWS/611265921/1001

[CBHagman]

1. Dearest Roger, you ARE living in a nightmare.

I actually saw one of Judd Apatow's movies for free and would like very much to have that portion of my life back. I also would say that Will Ferrell's career is continuing proof that Hollywood has some sort of nadir that it's attempting to reach.

[skygazer]

2. Will Ferrill is one of the least funny people I've seen

It's just not comedy that does anything for me. And this movie sounded particularly inane.

[MrSlayer]

6. Agreed.

I just don't get the appeal.

[GCP]

3. What's really sad is that there must be thousands of talented people out there

Who will never get to develop, act in or direct a movie project because they're unknown, don't have famous friends or wealthy family, and yet dreck like this still gets to be produced.
:puke:

[CBHagman]

5. If it's any comfort, it was ever thus...

There were/are a lot of artists who find it an uphill battle to win an audience. Think of all the great movies that didn't do well at the box office on release but later won classic or at least cult status.

Hollywood comedies in particular are at a low point, with a few exceptions. So much of what Hollywood cranks out is derivative, formulaic, subtle as a sledgehammer, and/or devoid of heart and real wit. As I said, there are occasional exceptions.

[Richardo]

4. Ebert is one of the best writers in journalism...

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: