John Cena’s Latest Comedy “Little Brother” Offers Laughs and Chaos
Get ready to mark your calendars because “Little Brother” is hitting Netflix on June 26! After a bit of a shaky start as an action hero, WWE superstar John Cena has really found his groove in the comedy genre. He’s been rocking the role of quirky characters in films directed by big names like Judd Apatow and James Gunn. This time around, Cena steps into the shoes of a tightly wound realtor named Rudd, who has to navigate the chaos brought on by his buddy Marcus, played by the hilarious Eric André.
So, is “Little Brother” a comedy masterpiece? Well, it doesn’t break any new ground, but it does deliver some solid laughs. The behind-the-scenes blooper reel at the end shows the cast had a blast on set, and while the film might not keep you rolling on the floor, there are definitely some chuckles to be had. The over-the-top disasters that befall Marcus are so outrageous that they’ll have you in stitches. Just don’t expect this to become your all-time favorite comedy; one watch might be more than enough.
This flick fits right into the long line of “guy annoys another guy” comedies, reminiscent of classics like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and “Cable Guy.” Co-written by Jarrad Paul, who also brought us the underrated comedy series “The Grinder,” “Little Brother” plays off the dynamic of an uptight guy being thrown into chaos by a free-spirited weirdo. While Cena gives it his best shot, it’s hard to top Fred Savage’s comedic chops in that role.
At times, “Little Brother” will catch you off guard with its sharp humor that feels like it’s straight out of a Farrelly Brothers production. However, there are also moments when it veers into typical streaming comedy territory, making you wish for more. But if you’re a fan of Eric André and want to see him endure a series of hilarious misfortunes, then this film is definitely worth a watch.
The plot kicks off with Rudd aiming for reality TV stardom in a high-end NYC real estate series, but that’s when Marcus crashes back into his life. Years ago, Rudd was Marcus’ “Big Brother” in a mentorship program, mostly to deal with his own sibling issues. Now, Marcus, a walking disaster zone, believes they’ve kept in touch, while it’s actually Rudd’s assistant, Mia, who’s been managing the correspondence.
As Rudd grapples with his anxiety and the chaos that Marcus brings, he finds the chaos unexpectedly endearing, especially as Marcus charms everyone around him, including Rudd’s wife and even his brother Josh. The chemistry between Cena and André is electric, though the storyline follows a predictable path, tugging at your heartstrings and eventually leading to a feel-good resolution. With enough outrageous moments, including plenty of bodily gags, “Little Brother” makes for a fun couch watch. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some laughs!