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The Brothers Solomon

Why, Will Arnett, why?

By Geoff Berkshire

September 7, 2007

Critic's Rating:

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The socially inept Solomon brothers—John (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”) and Dean (Will Forte, “Saturday Night Live,” who also wrote the script)—decide they need to have a baby to please their comatose dad. A Craigslist ad leads them to Janine (Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”) who agrees to be a surrogate for $10,000.

Big question: Can reunited director Bob Odenkirk (“Mr. Show”) and leading man Arnett redeem themselves after their box office bomb “Let’s Go to Prison”?

Skip it: It can’t be a coincidence that the movie’s initials are “B.S.” This is some, uh, boring stuff. Lazy and thoroughly uninspired, the movie does little more than waste a likeable cast (which also includes Chi McBride and Malin Akerman). Arnett needs to pick better roles fast, he’s dangerously close to three strikes territory. Wiig was better off with less screen time, but sharper dialogue, as the E! News producer in “Knocked Up.” Of course, everyone was better off in “Knocked Up,” including the audience.

Catch it: If you really really love John Parr’s ‘80s cheese-rock classic "St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)." It’s the brothers' unofficial theme song and plays repeatedly throughout the film. You know, as a substitute for real jokes.

Bottom line: There’s a slim chance “The Brothers Solomon” might pass for funny during a 4 a.m. cable TV airing, provided you’re drunk off your ass. Otherwise, forget it.
    
Bonus: Learn from Dean’s mistakes: don't kiss your date's father on the mouth. That pretty much kills the mood for the rest of the night.