The film is fun, but the characters are not well developed. The audience has to be onboard not for the characters but for the twisty ride.
The Brothers Bloom (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 108
Fresh: 68
Rotten:40
Average Rating: 6/10
Consensus: Despite strong performances The Brothers Bloom ultimately does not fulfill its lofty ambitions.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating] for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language.
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:May 15, 2009 Limited
Box Office: $3,114,901
Synopsis: Though THE BROTHERS BLOOM seems to be equal parts THE STING and THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, director Rian Johnson's second feature is still strikingly original. Adrien Brody (KING KONG) and Mark Ruffalo... Though THE BROTHERS BLOOM seems to be equal parts THE STING and THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, director Rian Johnson's second feature is still strikingly original. Adrien Brody (KING KONG) and Mark Ruffalo (ZODIAC) star as the siblings of the title, who have been working as conmen since they were children. There is a constant tug of war between them, with Bloom (Brody) desperate to get out of the game, while his brother Stephen (Ruffalo) drags him back. Like so many other films, THE BROTHERS BLOOM hinges on "one last job;" here, it is to steal millions from lonely, bored heiress Penelope (Rachel Weisz, THE CONSTANT GARDENDER) while they pose as antique dealers. But Bloom falls in love with the charming Penelope, and the con gets even more complicated. Johnson's directorial debut, BRICK, was a critically aclaimed exercise in style, and THE BROTHERS BLOOM proves to be even better crafted. In both its gorgeous aesthetic and its witty script, this is a film that is incredibly modern while it remains in the spirit of classic con films such as PAPER MOON. Director of photography Steve Yedlin is a wonder with camera angles and lighting, while costume designer Beatrix Aruna Pasztor perfectly creates a vintage-inspired wardrobe for the stars. With these visuals, it might be difficult for actors to stand out, but Johnson has assembled a fantastic cast that more than holds their own. His three leads are great together, and he gets wonderful supporting work from BABEL's Rinko Kikuchi as a nearly silent explosives expert and Harry Potter favorite Robbie Coltrane as a Belgian who may or may not be on their side (and, in fact, may or may not be Belgian). There are plenty of twists and turns on this road, but this fun film proves there's joy in the journey. [More]
Starring: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, Rinko Kikuchi
Starring: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, Rinko Kikuchi, Maximilian Schell, Robbie Coltrane
Director: Rian Johnson
Director: Rian Johnson
Screenwriter: Rian Johnson
Producer: Ram Bergman, James D. Stern
Composer: Nathan Johnson
Studio: Summit Entertainment
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Reviews for The Brothers Bloom
Follows an offbeat path to reach that destination, and most will enjoy the journey.
...it will baffle and infuriate some, and enchant and entertain others.
"The Brothers Bloom" operates on a much larger scale, a globe-hopping, visually dazzling caper comedy, but at heart it's just as in love with language and storytelling as "Brick" was.
Unlike the con artists the movie depicts, 'The Brothers Bloom' rewards rather than exploits viewers by defying their expectations.
Fueled by glorious performances all-around, The Brothers Bloom is a film with art-house accents and a strong emotional heart.
One of those movies that I wanted to see again the moment it was over -- and had this been anything other than a press screening where that was not possible, I would have.
This globe-trotting romantic comedy is like going on a scavenger hunt where the fun is in the journey.
It's as much about society's need for a well-told story as it is about an emotional connection between its characters. This sincerity is ultimately what lifts the picture above many of its predecessors.
a confident and even touching bit of genre twisting, with its best moments providing plenty of anticipation for what else Johnson has up his sleeve
It’s diverting for an hour or so, but one tires of all this forced playfulness long before the final reveal.
Rarely allowing substance to interfere with style, filmmaker Rian Johnson occasionally amuses but mostly frustrates with his con-job fantasia The Brothers Bloom.
Watching this movie is like being elbowed in the ribs for two consecutive hours.
It's a fine movie to like, although nearly impossible to love. And from the man who gave us the immensely lovable Brick, this is a minor disappointment.
The Brothers Bloom is to precocious adventure movies what Crank is to action throwdowns; it finds the genre's limit and doubles it.
Johnson's lube of choice is whimsy, and as the filmmaker pours an endless stream of cutesy behaviors and larger-than-life screenwriting into the stew, Brothers Bloom eventually curdles altogether
It probably takes a particular sensibility to really enjoy and appreciate The Brothers Bloom.
A fun, fast-paced and fashionable caper adventure, and a worthy homage to such classic thievery comedies as Topkapi.
The Brothers Bloom feels different from any crime caper you've ever seen, even though its machinations still revolve around con artists who play tricks on each other -- and the audience.
Latest News for The Brothers Bloom
May 22, 2009:
Nathan Johnson Talks Brothers Bloom Score ![]()
Discerning fans of movie music are already well acquainted with Nathan Johnson's quirky, absorbing work -- but chances are, you haven't heard him talk about his craft the way he... More...
May 14, 2009:
Critics Consensus: Angels & Demons Isn't Quite Heavenly
This week at the movies, Robert Langdon is back on the case, investigating shadowy machinations around the Catholic Church in Angels & Demons, starring Tom Hanks and Ewan... More...
May 13, 2009:
Five Favorite Films With Director Rian Johnson
With Brick, Rian Johnson established himself as a filmmaker to watch. An audacious debut, it made use of a classic film noir plotline within a contemporary high school setting,... More...
April 08, 2009:
Trailer Bulletin: The Brothers Bloom ![]()
After an extended wait, Rian Johnson's "The Brothers Bloom" will finally reach theaters in May -- and to celebrate, it's got a brand new trailer. More...
Related Forums for The Brothers Bloom
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Harry Potter and the H… | 7/15 |
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Somers Town | 7/15 |
100% 100% |
500 Days of Summer | 7/17 |
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In the Loop | 7/17 |
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