Brothers (2024)

Brothers (2024)

 

6/10

Starring          

Josh Brolin

Peter Dinklage

Brendan Fraser

Glenn Close

 

Directed by Max Barbakow

 

One thing this movie excels at is its ability to engage the audience. It’s written in such a way that it keeps you guessing and wondering how everything will unfold. Instead of simply focusing on how things end or how the brothers will reconcile, you are intrigued by the various unresolved questions. What happened to their mum? How did the situation with the emerald and her boyfriend play out? What was the deal with Marisa Tomei’s brief yet mysterious cameo? And how would the brothers manage the cop that is relentlessly pursuing them?

Some of these questions, particularly the last one was not well tied up, we get to understand so much of how the brothers and the cop are linked, but how their issue was resolved finally could have been done better. But that doesn't detract from the overall experience. The film keeps you hooked, maintaining your interest right up until the end. It’s a fun ride, and even with its occasional loose threads, the enjoyment is in the journey.

The cast in this film was outstanding. Glenn Close, in particular, was almost unrecognizable, blending into her role so well that you forget who you’re watching. The story follows twin brothers Moke (Josh Brolin) and Jady (Peter Dinklage), whose differences in height give a comedic touch reminiscent of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito’s iconic pairing in Twins (1988). However, unlike that comparison, this film isn’t a simple comedy – it’s more layered and complex. These brothers have been raised in a life of crime. Their mother, played by Glenn Close, was an armed robber, and the brothers, though initially petty criminals, went down separate paths after a heist gone wrong.

Jady gets caught during a heist, but unlike the typical movie trope, he doesn’t betray Moke. Moke, in turn, tries to turn his life around, seeking redemption. However, Jady’s life doesn’t end there. He gets an early release, thanks to the help of a corrupt cop named Farful (Brendan Fraser). Farful, aided by his father, a judge, helps Jady get out of prison on the condition that he completes one last task. Jady convinces Moke to help him, and this is where the film takes a turn. Moke discovers that Jady has been in contact with their mother all along, and they are entangled in a scheme of their own making.

As the movie unfolds, we see how the brothers navigate their fractured relationship, trying to sort out their differences in a bid to overcome the chaos they’ve found themselves in. While the film doesn't offer a mind-blowing conclusion, it’s an enjoyable ride with some lighthearted moments. It’s not a groundbreaking comedy, but it’s certainly an enjoyable watch, perfect when you’re looking for a fun movie to kill time without needing something heavy.