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Movie Info

AUDIENCE:

Older teenagers and adults (not for kids)

RATING:

PG-13 for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language.

GENRE:

Comedy, Action/Adventure, Romance and Crime/Gangster

RELEASE:

May 15, 2009 (limited);
Wide release: May 29, 2009

STARRING:

Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rinko Kikuchi, Maximilian Schell, and Robbie Coltrane

DIRECTOR:

Rian Johnson

DISTRIBUTORS:

Summit Entertainment

 

Please Note

In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.

MOVIE REVIEW

The Brothers Bloom: Watch Your Wallet!

Movieguide Magazine

CBN.com - The Brothers Bloom is a well-made comedy that keeps viewers guessing with multiple plot twists and deep characterizations.

Brothers Steven and Bloom are orphans who grow up on the streets learning to live by their wits and to con people out of money based on an innate understanding of people. Steven is the mastermind who creates the cons, down to the dialogue. Bloom is the lead con man who establishes the relationship with the “mark.”

When they attempt one last con, Bloom falls in love with the mark, an eccentric heiress, Penelope. Add in their bitter ex-mentor seeking revenge and the plot moves quickly, taking many unexpected twists and turns.

Bloom struggles with his own identity, since he spends his life saying and being the character that his controlling, yet likeable, brother creates for each of the cons. He sees in Penelope a chance to end the lies, but that may only be possible if he continues the con. Steven attempts to give up trying to “write” his and Bloom’s life, something that comes from being a protective big brother.

The script of The Brothers Bloom is terrific with rich, quirky characters that are unpredictable. The plot has many twists and it’s never clear if what the characters are doing is part of a charade or not. The directing is finely tuned with often humorous action happening in the background.

The art direction of sets, locations and wardrobe is very unique. Though set in present time, the whole movie has a “tip of the hat” to turn of the century fashion, manners and movies such as The Sting.

The cast is terrific with the character Bang Bang (played by Rink Kikuchi) stealing many scenes. Though her character likes to sing karaoke, she won’t speak otherwise. Rachel Weisz is amazing as the recluse heiress who starts out awkward and “comes alive” as she gets involved with the brothers.

Regrettably, The Brothers Bloom suffers from many content problems. The main issue is that the protagonists are con men and never regret nor have remorse about swindling money from wealthy people. They began their career in stealing and extortion at a young age, which is doubly problematic in that viewers see the young brothers extort money from an entire neighborhood. Ultimately, their life of crime does not pay for one of the brothers, however.

The Brothers Bloom also contains some foul language. One brother travels and lives with his girlfriend. Finally, there are two scenes of implied sex between the other brother and the heiress.

Because of these issues, The Brothers Bloom requires extreme caution before embracing these loveable characters who ultimately are bad guys.

Address comments to:
Rob Friedman, CEO
Summit Entertainment
1630 Stewart Street, Suite 120
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: (310) 309-8400
Fax: (310) 828-4132
Web site: www.summit-ent.com

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NOTE from Dr. Ted Baehr, publisher of Movieguide Magazine. For more information from a Christian perspective, order the latest Movieguide Magazine by calling 1-800-899-6684(MOVI) or visit our website at www.movieguide.org. Movieguide is dedicated to redeeming the values of Hollywood by informing parents about today's movies and entertainment and by showing media executives and artists that family-friendly and even Christian-friendly movies do best at the box office year in and year out. Movieguide now offers an online subscription to its magazine version, at www.movieguide.org. The magazine, which comes out 25 times a year, contains many informative articles and reviews that help parents train their children to be media-wise consumers.


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