by Thomas Ferguson

Welcome back Will Ferrell! After a brief dramatic turn in Stranger Than Fiction. Not to mention moderately funny appearances in Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory. Oh, and who can forget the recent debacle Semi Pro. Let’s just say, his track record got a bit off track. Now, he’s back in a hilarious movie from producer Judd Apatow.

Ferrell plays Brennan Huff, a thirty-nine-year-old slacker that still lives with his mom Nancy (Mary Steenburgen).  Nancy quickly gets “friendly” with a doctor named Robert Doback (Richard Jenkins). Robert also has a grown son still living at home named Dale (John C. Reilly). Dale is forty and just as slack as Brennan.

When Nancy and Robert tie the knot, all hell breaks loose between their sons. Both are forced to share space and a room in the family home. Adversaries from the word go; Brennan and Dale fight and argue like little children. That is, until Brennan’s perfect little brother Derek (Adam Scott) muscles his way in, bulling the two and stealing all of Robert’s attention.

The once bitter enemies become best friends and get into one predicament after the next. In the process, they learn more about themselves and learn that it may be time to finally grow up.

What a refreshing comedy. I had very low expectations with this movie. Based on Ferrell’s recent movies and the lackluster trailer, I figured I might get a few laughs, but nothing that will stay with me past the closing credits. I love to admit… I was totally wrong.

I laughed from start to finish. I did the clapping thing. I did the nearly falling out of my seat thing as well. This movie is so over-the-top and absolutely ridiculous, but it works here. I know I keep mentioning Will Ferrell, but it was definitely a collaborative effort. John C. Reilly was wonderful as the bumbling Dale. A combination of innocence and pure stupidity. I believe these two guys are comedy gold.

They work well with and play off of each other perfectly.

One thing I really liked about this movie was the fact that all of the supporting cast had their moments to shine. Veteran character actor Jenkins has been getting rave reviews and Oscar buzz for his performance in the brilliant indy drama The Visitor, but his performance here can only elevate his status with mainstream audiences.

Steenburgen was a complete delight onscreen. She still looks amazing and has some great comedic chops. Adam Scott plays a great “jerky brother” and actress Kathryn Hahn, who plays Derek’s sexually repressed wife, had the audience in stitches.

It’s no Anchorman, but one definitely worth seeing.

Again, stay for the credits.