The Brothers Bloom

The Brothers Bloom is a quirky comedy about two con artist brothers named Stephen and Bloom (which makes you wonder why the movie is called The Brothers Bloom if that's not their last name, but whatever) played by Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody respectively. The brothers have been con artists since they were little kids. Stephen is the mastermind and Bloom is the actor. Stephen loves conning, and Bloom has his reservations about it and wants to get out. Stephen talks Bloom into one last con. The will con an eccentric, reclusive heiress, named Penelope Stamp (played by Rachel Weisz). The con is to get her involved and then take her money in some ridiculously elaborate scheme. Then hilarity ensues. Or at least its supposed too...

This is a very quirky, odd ball movie. But it tries too hard to be really funny and just doesn't make it. Its not like some of those darker comedies that don't try to be funny, just funny enough to not be serious. It does have a certain dark comedy feel though, but I think that's totally an accident. I had to check the DVD box to make sure that it wasn't directed by Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenebaums, The Life Aquatic, The Darjeeling Limited). It's one of those where all the characters are a little off. The all wear clothes that don't seem to match the time period. There are many times when the action is going on in the foreground and something crazy and totally unrelated is going on in the background.

Now I know con artist movies are supposed to be complex and hard to follow. That's what makes them so entertaining because you are so lost during the movie, but then at the end everything is explained and you have that "Ohhhh, so THAT'S what happened!" moment. Well, this con certainly was complex. I found myself totally lost at many different points. However, that may be because, sight gags and goofy dialogue aside, I was just not that interested in what was going to happen. The movie didn't hook me like con artist movies are supposed to. And then, there's not really one of those explain everything moments. There is one "Oh, WOW!" moments but its really sad so you cant enjoy it.

If you like Wes Anderson movies, you may enjoy this. It has the same feel. I'm personally not crazy about his movies but a lot of people are. It's worth a rent if you just can't find anything else. I'd give it a 6.5 or 7 out of 10 because I'm in a good mood today.