Brotherly relationships have been a central theme throughout history and in pop culture, often providing a source of conflict, humor, and deep emotional connection.
From the ancient stories of Cain and Abel, Romulus and Remus, to more modern examples like The Godfather Part II, Step Brothers, and F9, sibling bonds are frequently mined for both comedy and tragedy.
Max Barbakow, who gained popularity with his 2020 film Palm Springs, brings this dynamic to his second feature, Brothers. While Palm Springs garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to comedy, Brothers follows a more traditional path.
The film presents a crime comedy that doesn’t quite match the brilliance of its predecessor but remains an enjoyable watch, largely thanks to its talented cast.
What is Brothers About?
Brothers centers on the complicated relationship between two brothers, Moke (Josh Brolin) and Jady Munger (Peter Dinklage). The brothers were raised by their criminal mother, Cath (Glenn Close), who disappeared after a botched job left them to fend for themselves.
Growing up, the brothers turned to a life of crime, pulling off heists and cons. However, their paths diverged when Jady got caught and sent to prison, while Moke managed to escape.
Five years later, Moke is a reformed man, married, and expecting a baby. Jady, on the other hand, is released from prison, thanks to the help of the corrupt Officer Farful (Brendan Fraser). Farful wants the brothers to help him find a set of long-lost jewels.
Now estranged, Moke and Jady must work together one last time for a final job, all while dealing with a corrupt officer, an untrustworthy mother, and the risk of Moke losing his stable life. The film follows their journey as they try to reconcile their differences and survive the dangerous situation they find themselves in.
Strong Performances But Safe Storytelling
The central focus of Brothers is the relationship between the two brothers, and in this, Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage shine. The duo shares excellent chemistry and comedic timing, making their interactions feel authentic. Brolin plays Moke, the more serious brother who has worked hard to leave his criminal past behind.
He is trying to build a stable life with his wife, Abby (Taylour Paige), and their soon-to-be-born child. Dinklage, as Jady, brings a lighter, more chaotic energy to the film. His character is unpredictable, bringing constant drama and conflict, which contrasts well with Brolin’s more grounded portrayal.
Brolin’s portrayal of Moke as the “straight man” works well, and he delivers a strong performance. However, Dinklage’s character, with his sharp wit and energetic presence, gets the majority of the film’s best lines. Their easy back-and-forth chemistry makes their relationship entertaining, even when the plot itself feels somewhat predictable.
Brendan Fraser, playing Officer Farful, also delivers a strong performance. His character is a corrupt cop with an inflated sense of importance, and Fraser’s comedic timing suits the role perfectly.
However, Farful is not fully utilized as an antagonist. While he brings some physical menace to the table, his character could have been more active in the plot. Instead, he often feels more like a henchman than a major threat to the brothers.
Taylour Paige, playing Moke’s wife Abby, is a standout, even though her screen time is limited. Despite being somewhat underused, Paige brings charisma to the role, making Abby a memorable character.
Her presence adds an extra layer of emotional depth to Moke’s character, though the script doesn’t give her enough to do in the story. With more screen time, Abby could have added an important perspective to the film’s narrative, heightening the tension between Moke’s criminal past and his desire for a better life.
A Familiar Crime Caper with Missed Opportunities
The film’s plot follows the well-worn path of many crime capers, especially those in the vein of Logan Lucky or Guy Ritchie films. The brothers’ journey to pull off one final job, with a corrupt officer involved, is a familiar setup. While the film has plenty of charm, particularly in its dialogue and comedic moments, it doesn’t take many risks.
The humor can be hit-or-miss, with some bits, such as a subplot involving Moke becoming friends with an orangutan, feeling out of place in a film that otherwise maintains a more grounded tone.
There are also several narrative threads that don’t quite land. For example, the plot involving Marisa Tomei’s character, Bethesda, feels like a needless detour. While it introduces some interesting dynamics, it ultimately doesn’t add much to the full story.
Similarly, some key characters, like Officer Farful and Abby, are not as developed as they could be, leaving their potential untapped. The lack of deeper scheme of these characters weakens the full tension and emotional stakes.
The film’s pacing also struggles at times, with certain scenes dragging on or feeling unnecessary. For example, while the clock ticking down on Moke’s need to return home creates some suspense, the film could have benefited from a tighter narrative.
The inclusion of more scenes with Abby, and perhaps less focus on peripheral characters, could have sharpened the film’s focus. These minor issues accumulate, making Brothers feel more like a missed opportunity rather than the standout follow-up to Palm Springs that it could have been.
An Enjoyable Watch, but Not Revolutionary
While Brothers is an enjoyable film, it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by Barbakow’s previous work. The performances from Brolin and Dinklage are solid, and the film has some genuinely funny moments, but the script and direction fall into familiar crime comedy tropes without offering much new. The film is not without its charms, but it often feels safe and predictable.
The lack of innovation is its biggest flaw. With such a talented cast, Brothers had the potential to break new ground in the crime comedy genre. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take full advantage of its premise or characters. While it’s still a fun movie to watch, it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Brothers is available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it provides an enjoyable experience for fans of crime comedies and is worth watching for the performances alone. However, those looking for something fresh or innovative may find themselves wishing for more.
In the end, Brothers feels like a film that had the potential to be much more but ended up playing it too safe. With the right adjustments, it could have been a more memorable experience, but for now, it remains a solid, if forgettable, entry in the crime comedy genre.
