Brothers: A Hilarious Heist with Heart

Brothers: A Hilarious Heist with Heart

The late, great character actor M. Emmett Walsh makes a memorable final appearance in the crime comedy “Brothers.” The film stars Peter Dinklage and Josh Brolin as two thieving siblings who can’t stop bickering while planning their big, final heist—the one that will allow them to retire. Walsh’s role is a fitting send-off for several reasons. First, he plays a wildly eccentric judge who roams his grand estate, firing off a shotgun and shouting. This kind of outrageous supporting role is something Walsh excelled at during his career.

Second, Walsh gained fame as a character actor after his role as the corrupt detective Visser in the Coen Brothers’ 1984 film “Blood Simple.” He followed that with a memorable cameo in “Raising Arizona.” The success of the latter sparked a mini-genre of quirky, violent yet heartfelt comedies that “Brothers” adds to in its own unique way. Lastly, Walsh is one of the actors that inspired Roger Ebert to create the “Stanton-Walsh Rule,” stating that any film featuring M. Emmett Walsh or Harry Dean Stanton can’t be completely bad.

And indeed, “Brothers” is far from bad; in fact, it’s a fun movie that offers more excitement than you might expect, largely thanks to its strong performances.

In the film, Dinklage plays J.D. “Jady” Munger, who may not be a genius but certainly has a talent for crime that outshines his brother Mike, or “Moke” (Brolin). Moke mostly acts as the muscle in a series of increasingly daring robberies throughout their youth. Their mother, Cath (played by Jennifer Landon), a career criminal herself, abandoned them one Thanksgiving, leaving them to fend for themselves.

After a twist that’s common in crime thrillers, Jady ends up in prison following a botched heist, while Moke finds a respectable life, working at a fast-food restaurant and marrying his girlfriend Abby (Taylour Paige). When Jady gets an early release, he tries to pull Moke back into his chaotic world, planning to steal emeralds hidden in a safe at a garment shop in another city.

“Brothers” has a lot going on beneath the surface. One subplot involves Judge Farful (Walsh) and his son. Both characters are referred to as “Farful,” but the elder is called “Judge Farful.” The judge orchestrated Jady’s early release so he could use him in the emerald heist and then share in the profits. Farful the younger, played by Brendan Fraser, is a constant presence in Jady’s life after prison. He keeps Jady in line, threatening him with a return to prison if he steps out of line. It’s an unsettling dynamic where Farful even jokes about training Jady to be a “grateful little doggie.”

Without giving too much away, it’s not a surprise that their mother, played by Glenn Close, re-enters their lives. Close’s name is prominently featured in the film’s advertising, and she brings depth to the character. Her presence raises questions about whether Cath is capable of any genuine maternal love, showcasing Close’s talent for playing ambiguous characters.

The chemistry among the main cast is one of the film’s biggest strengths, with Dinklage and Brolin delivering engaging performances that feel both realistic and larger than life. They aren’t aiming for strict realism; instead, they embrace a more cartoonish style, evoking characters drawn with a bold marker. The film doesn’t shy away from showing that, despite their reckless antics, these brothers are small-time criminals with lives that barely register on the broader scale.

Dinklage is perfectly cast as a hardboiled yet humorous character. As he ages, he brings a blend of gravitas and humor to his role, delivering moments of pathos while keeping a straight face amid chaos. Brolin complements him well, portraying Moke as the more submissive brother with absolute conviction.

While Close and Fraser don’t have as much screen time, their performances energize the film whenever they appear. Close keeps you guessing about Cath’s motivations, while Fraser gives a standout performance as the volatile Farful. His character is filled with rage and self-destructive tendencies, making him a compelling figure in the story.

The film has its share of absurd moments, including a standout scene with an orangutan that is so outrageous, it’s best experienced without any spoilers. It’s a scene that fits right alongside the most ridiculous moments in classic comedies.

Overall, “Brothers” is a delightful mix of humor and heart, buoyed by its talented cast and clever writing. With engaging performances and a story that balances laughter with poignant moments, it’s a film that’s sure to entertain. Whether you’re looking for a fun heist movie or a character-driven comedy, “Brothers” delivers a satisfying experience that’s both thrilling and heartfelt.