New Movie Releases: Step Brothers, Kabluey and More!
Written, produced, and directed by the team that brought you Talladega Nights and Anchorman, John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell headline as two titty babies who have somehow finagled their way into a lifetime of free room and board (courtesy of their parents who just can’t say “no”). The two fortysomethings are thrust together under one roof when their pushover parents (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins) get hitched. At first, the two Diet Pepsi and blue Koolaid-swigging losers threaten to smother each other in their sleep. But a shared bond over 70s bush, John Stamos, and Shark Week makes the two want to buy BFF necklaces for each other.
The premise, though promising, ultimately boils down to your standard, run-of-the-mill comedy. Guy (or guys in this case) proves to be totally inept, causes non-stop trouble, and must redeem himself by the tail end of 90 minutes. Though Johnny C. and Wilfer bring their A-grade chemistry to the table, the gags are sometimes hit-and-miss, and their supporting cast of wacky characters isn’t what it has been in the past (we’re looking at you, Adam Scott, who’s all too bland).
After the sucker punch to the gut that was The Dark Knight, this flick does provide some hearty laughs that aren’t even given away in the trailer (go figure!). While not nearly as sidesplitting as Apatow’s other productions, and perhaps too little heart and humanity, Step Brothers has some memorable parts that include man bits, boats and hos, and a singing voice likened to a mixture of Fergie and Jesus. It reminds us that Ferrell is still really funny without his 70s getups or sports movies, and, honestly, we could watch a whole movie of Reilly’s facial expressions and doughy eyes. As long as Adam Scott doesn’t show up… --Darcie Duttweiler
[Trailer] [Showtimes]
Kabluey
Check out our interview with Kabluey Director/Star Scott Prendergast for more Kabluey info.
[Trailer] [Showtimes]
ALSO OPENING IN AUSTIN THIS WEEKEND
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
Our mid to late 90s self really does want to believe—that this is a necessary and excellent sequel. And yet we remain doubtful. We would love to finish this review, but, wait—what is that strange light? Hey, can anyone else see that? Boy, I feel lighter all of a sudden. Awww, crap. . . So this is what a tractor beam feels like! . . . Wait, I didn't pack clean underwear! And I forgot my Thought Screen Helmet! AWAWAWWAAAAAAA the humaaannnityyyyyy. --Luke Quinton
[Trailer] [Showtimes]
The Wackness
Set in New York City circa 1994, The Wackness follows two potheads (Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck) as they wander the city. The soundtrack features plenty of mid-90s hip-hop and R&B, including Biz Markie, Fresh Prince and R. Kelly. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]
Brick Lane
Brick Lane is the story of Nazneen, a young woman living in an East London Bangladeshi community during the 1980s. Trapped in a loveless arranged marriage, Nazneen struggles to come to terms with London life while her sister lives a carefree existence back in Bangladesh. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]
