I Wasn't Expecting Much from Netflix's #1 Movie But It Turned Out to Be Exactly What I Needed

Get ready to LOL

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Clifton Prescod/Netflix

I like to think I know what I am talking about. If I were putting together a top 100 list, classics like Step Brothers, Napoleon Dynamite, Superbad, and One of Them Days would absolutely make the cut. The Hangover would also be on there, especially after recently rewatching it and being reminded just how unhinged and funny it still is. So when I opened Netflix on a rainy Saturday and saw Little Brother, I figured it was worth a shot.

The comedy stars John Cena as Rudd Landy, a well-known real estate agent whose carefully controlled life gets turned upside down when his eccentric “little brother,” Marcus, played by Eric André, suddenly reappears and chaos pretty much follows from there. The cast also includes Michelle Monaghan, Christopher Meloni, Sherry Cola, Ego Nwodim, and Caleb Hearon.

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Clifton Prescod/Netflix

The trailer teases some of the film’s humor, but honestly it does not really capture how funny the movie actually is. Going in, I expected a light, slightly cheesy comedy with a couple of decent laughs. What I got was something way more chaotic in the best way. There were moments that had me actually laughing out loud just because of how absurd and unpredictable they were. It definitely takes some comedic swings, and for the most part, they land.

When it comes to critics and audiences, though, seem pretty split on it.

Some viewers on Rotten Tomatoes called it out as a laugh-out-loud experience, with one writing, "Absolutely hilarious love the movie super funny jokes and I haven’t seen anything like it in a while," while another shared, "If you enjoy watching a movie that’ll make you laugh, this will do it!"

On the other hand, not everyone was on board with the humor. One viewer said, "Had to stop the movie and switch to other entertainment after 20 minutes," while another wrote, "More cringe than comedy."

For what it is worth, I will say this is not trying to be a deep or polished comedy. It is silly, a little chaotic, and very aware of what it is, which is part of the appeal. You just have to be in the mood for that kind of humor.

So if you are looking for something goofy, chaotic, and easy to throw on, I suggest you press play on Little Brother.

Little Brother is streaming now on Netflix.

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Danielle Long

Contributing Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes breaking news and entertainment content
  • Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
  • Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards