The critics panned this movie because it is so charming, earnest and good-natured they didn’t know what to make of it. It blew their fuses. They’re used to praising shit like The Social Network. Their minds are jello at this point.

First off, Paul Rudd is so incredibly natural and engaging on-screen he simply wipes away most small problems in script and pacing – it can’t be taught. Put anyone else in this role and the film is in trouble, but put Rudd in there and it all works, almost despite itself. The guy is nothing short of amazing. Second, the supporting cast is terrific. Rashida Jones and Kathryn Hahn have worked with Rudd before and have great chemistry with him, Emily Mortimer is wonderful in almost anything she gets involved in, Elizabeth Banks is fun, and even Zooey is almost decent in this film, propped up by more talented and charismatic actors on all sides. I’m not a big Steve Coogan fan, but his role is pretty limited.

Our Idiot Brother does not come together comically, it must be said. But as a heart-warming story of a really likeable, honest and simple guy getting callously passed around by his three self-centered sisters, Our Idiot Brother really works. I found the story charming and felt very satisfied when I walked out of the theater.

Ignore the ridiculous critics – give Our Idiot Brother a chance!