Netflix is set to release the comedy Little Brother on June 26, starring WWE superstar John Cena and Eric André. The film sees Cena playing Rudd, a tightly-wound realtor, who is thrust back into contact with his chaotic former "Little Brother" mentee, Marcus, portrayed by André.
While Little Brother doesn't reinvent the buddy comedy genre, drawing parallels to classics like "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" and "What About Bob?", it offers enough comedic moments to entertain. The film's humor often stems from the sheer absurdity of the calamities that befall Marcus, pushed to such extreme levels that they elicit genuine laughter. Co-written by Jarrad Paul, who also co-created the series "The Grinder," the movie shares some DNA with that show's dynamic of an uptight individual being overwhelmed by an eccentric free spirit.
Rudd, currently aiming for a spot on a high-end NYC real estate reality show, finds his meticulously planned life disrupted by Marcus. Decades prior, Rudd participated in an after-school outreach program, acting as Marcus's Big Brother partly due to his own complicated relationship with his older brother, Josh. Now, Marcus, a walking embodiment of disarray, believes he and Rudd have maintained a close bond over the years, a notion maintained by Rudd's assistant, Mia, who has been handling Marcus's communications.
The narrative challenges Rudd to navigate Marcus's disruptive presence while simultaneously maintaining relationships with his wife and his adult brother, Josh. The chemistry between the cast is notable, particularly between Cena and André, though the story progresses through predictable beats, ultimately leading to a feel-good resolution for all characters involved.
Despite stretches where the film settles into a more conventional streaming comedy mold, there are moments where Little Brother shines, feeling akin to some of the Farrelly Brothers' more successful efforts. For viewers eager to see Eric André endure a relentless series of physical gags, many of which are timed for comedic effect, the film provides a satisfying, albeit perhaps a one-time, viewing experience. The movie incorporates ample physical comedy, including bodily fluids and prosthetic gags, to make for a decent home viewing.
Little Brother is scheduled for release on Netflix on June 26.