Brotherly Blunders: A Cinematic Misadventure

In the realm of cinema, there exists a peculiar micro-genre that could be aptly described as "piece of shit brothers do crimes." This niche has given us films like 2017's Logan Lucky and even the 1995 classic Money Train. While these movies can be entertaining in their own right, Amazon's Prime Original, Brothers, seems to be more of a contractual obligation for its talented cast than a genuine comedic endeavor. With its theatrical and streaming premieres practically overlapping, one can't help but wonder if the film's lackluster reception was a foregone conclusion.

Brotherly Blunders: A Cinematic Misadventure

Twins in Crime

The core of the film revolves around Moke and Jady Munger, twin brothers and lifelong larcenists, who have a knack for getting into trouble. As Jady is released from prison, the story unfolds, revealing that Moke had fallen in love and gone straight during his brother's incarceration. However, Jady has one last big job in mind, setting the stage for a chaotic and ill-fated adventure.With a corrupt prison guard, played by an over-the-top and underutilized Brendan Fraser, hot on their trail, and their crime-savvy mother, portrayed by the ever-talented Glenn Close, pulling the strings, the titular brothers embark on a quest for their final big score. The dynamic between the two leads, Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, fails to ignite any genuine chemistry, leaving the audience struggling to connect with their brotherly bond.

A Comedic Misfire

Brothers, directed by Max Barbakow and written by Etan Cohen, who is not to be confused with the acclaimed Ethan Coen, promises a dark comedic twist on the classic Coen Brothers-esque formula. However, the film falls short of delivering the same level of humor and engagement that Cohen's previous efforts, such as Idiocracy and Tropic Thunder, have achieved.Despite the impressive supporting cast, which includes the likes of M. Emmet Walsh and the ever-excellent Marisa Tomei, the film struggles to find its footing. The comedic moments, which range from a man throwing an escaped orangutan a rather peculiar act to Glenn Close's borderline slapstick performance, fail to elicit the desired laughter from the audience.

A Slog of a Viewing Experience

Brothers is a film that feels more like a chore than a cinematic delight. The lack of chemistry between the lead actors, coupled with the non-engaging dialogue and a general absence of genuinely funny moments, makes for a rather tedious viewing experience. The film's pacing and overall execution leave much to be desired, and one can't help but wonder if the entire project was a deliberate attempt at a "Producers-esque" failure, without the unexpected popularity that the classic film enjoyed.Fortunately, Brothers is a film that is better suited for the comfort of one's own home, as the experience of watching it in a theater would have been a true test of endurance. The film's watchability at home is a saving grace, as it allows viewers to break the glass in case of a severe boredom emergency, rather than being subjected to the full theatrical experience.In the end, Brothers is a cinematic misadventure that fails to live up to the promise of its talented cast and the potential of its premise. While it may provide a few moments of amusement, the overall viewing experience is a slog, leaving the audience wishing they had spent their time watching anything else.