John Cena and Eric Andre’s R-Rated Buddy Comedy Is a Heartfelt Throwback

Image Credit: Netflix

The dysfunctional buddy comedy archetype – the funny guy who turns the straight man’s life upside down – used to be a dime a dozen. Every decade has its own characteristics: the 80s gave us Airplanes, Trains and Automobileswas in the 90’s good burgerwas in the 2000s shrek And i love you. The 2010s didn’t give us much of those, and lately? it is rare. The last one I remember was 2016 Central Intelligence. Director Matt Spicer (ingrid goes west) latest, Younger brotherStarring John Cena and Eric Andre – two comedy jugglers who you’d think of as Mandela-effect have shared the screen before – reimagines that classic comedy formula with ’90s charm, R-rated heart beyond shock value, and an easy runtime of 90 minutes.

Rudd Landi (Cena), a famous realtor with a stable family life, is about to be cast in a fictional reality show, nyc hustlers. His entire life, he has played second fiddle to his billionaire hedge-fund socialite older brother Josh (Chris Meloni), whose shadow he can’t escape and whose condescension he can’t shake. Everything Josh does makes Rudd obsessed with him, stressing himself out and upsetting everyone around him. Their reality show break may finally find them in the spotlight of their own – until their “little brother” Marcus (Andre) comes back into their lives. Rudd has not thought about Marcus in years, but Marcus considers him family. They met in 1998 when the teenage Rudd was cast in the Big Brother program, wanting to be the brother he emotionally never had. Rudd’s kind, philanthropic wife Deirdre (Michelle Monaghan) brings up Marcus against Rudd’s interests. But everyone who meets Marcus appreciates his chaotic, infectious energy – which shattered Rudd’s world during a crucial moment in his career.

Younger brother This is as classic as R-rated screwball buddy comedies get. It has shock value, raunchy humor and over-the-top slapstick. For any Eric Andre-head, his signature style comes with the territory: committing to his own slapstick stunts and providing gross physical humor. But unlike recent buddy comedies, Younger brother Doesn’t put too much emphasis on obscenity for the sake of humor. Although scattershot, it balances its humor with a heartwarming, all-encompassing family-oriented story.

Spicer and writers Gerard Paul and Andrew Mogel find the true heart that recent films have lacked. Much of this stems from Marcus’s kind, non-judgmental nature. Through them, the film is reminiscent of the ’90s, where as obnoxious as the funny men (your Candy, Farley, and Mitchell) were, they were well-intentioned and likable people. Marcus fits right into that pantheon because his charm far outweighs the irritation he causes. His ability to win people over with a charismatic, comfortable personality against his tragic, lonely background is tangible. His man-child nature sometimes overpowers his enlightened moments, but given his lack of nurturing, you can’t entirely hold it against him.

"A man and woman stand facing each other in a modern living room with brick walls, framed pictures, a blue sofa and orange pillows. The woman is touching the man's chin, both are seen having an emotional conversation."

Andre presents all this with an unseen tenderness that gives the film its good-naturedness, blending goofy charm with Andre’s trademark anarchic nature. Against Cena, who does a good job playing the role of straight man icon, the two show real chemistry. Cena gets some good laughs as Roode’s inner hatred and unresolved brotherly trauma bubble to the surface, leading to some killer line delivery. Andre has good chemistry with almost everyone – especially Monaghan as Deirdre, with whom he simply queens out (Author’s Note: Queening out is a person who participates in traditionally “girly” activities – like gossiping, doing beauty routines, or expressing emotional openness). Considering how she usually acts in dramas (currently filming) white lotus), it’s amazing to see him in comedy; Although she’s in a very straightforward role, she’s delightful, and her casting leads to a surprisingly erotic moment that made me laugh. Chris Meloni’s Josh is another standout, running with an energetic, livewire big-bro energy that’s in good faith. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Elliot Stabler let loose comedically, and we need more of that.

"Two men outside: one wearing a colored shirt, head bandage and neck brace, holding a can, looking surprised; The other one is looking serious in tan jacket and white shirt. Urban background with greenery and brown stone building."

humorously, Younger brother Is of average quality. Some jokes and dialogue fall flat, and the comedic set pieces are only sporadically funny. Although it captures the spirit of those classic films, Spicer’s comic timing is poor – it lacks the pace and precision to deliver intentionally huge comedic moments. This is actually a background-noise film which, if released a decade ago, would have been a blockbuster.

But while the humor doesn’t quite work, the surprising emotional core and engaging character dynamics make up for it. It’s really a portrait of someone seeking his brother’s approval and how his condition has affected his own stunted development. Contrasted with her relationship with a stranger who loved her as unconditionally as the brother she never had, this is a very charming story of found family and brotherhood. Sadly, it’s executed in typical R-rated comedy plotting that feels automatic when it has the potential for much more.

If you liked it, watch Little Brother

bad trip
eric andre show

decision

Younger brother It never quite delivers the comedic punch it aims for, and it sure doesn’t touch the classics it’s channeling. But its genuine wholesomeness and the surprisingly sweet Cena-Andre dynamic make it a perfectly fine way to spend 90 minutes.