If you’re looking for a film that juggles slapstick comedy, family dysfunction, and a road trip involving emeralds buried in a criminal past, Max Barbakow’s “Brothers” might be your wild card for movie night.
Released in October 2024 and now streaming on Prime Video, Brothers is a hilarious concoction starring Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage as estranged siblings forced to reunite under absurd circumstances.
Think of it as Twins (1988) on steroids, only with a grift-happy Glenn Close and an orangutan thrown in for good measure.
The Story: Heists, Hijinks, and Heart
Brothers explores the lives of Moke and Jady Munger, siblings with a shared history of crime and chaos.
Their journey begins when Jady (Peter Dinklage), freshly released from prison, ropes his straight-laced brother Moke (Josh Brolin) into a wild quest to recover stolen emeralds worth $4 million.
The film draws viewers into a chaotic road trip featuring run-ins with dangerous adversaries like Brendan Fraser’s crooked Officer Farful and laugh-out-loud moments involving an unexpectedly feisty orangutan.
For fans of outrageous sibling dynamics, Brothers is reminiscent of classics like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with its road trip mishaps and quirky character conflicts.
The Mungers’ misadventures take a turn when their mother, Cath (Glenn Close), reveals her own secrets—making this not just a heist movie but a family dramedy filled with betrayal, redemption, and the occasional explosion.
A Cast That Brings Comedy Gold
For those curious about the cast of Brothers’ film, the star-studded ensemble is a major draw.
Josh Brolin shines as Moke, the reluctant accomplice trying to maintain his post-crime respectability.
Peter Dinklage, as the unpredictable Jady, flips his usual serious roles on their head, delivering deadpan humour with impeccable timing.
And then there’s Glenn Close, whose portrayal of Cath Munger is equal parts cunning and chaotic.
Her interactions with her sons inject a layer of familial complexity into the otherwise absurd narrative.
Brendan Fraser, as Farful, adds yet another memorable character to his comedic repertoire, reminding audiences why he remains a household name in films like The Mummy.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Upon its release, Brothers garnered a variety of responses from critics and audiences alike.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating suggesting that while the cast is brilliant, the story leans into chaos without always landing its comedic punches.
Comparisons have also been drawn to Midnight Run, with its mismatched duo navigating a high-stakes adventure.
Conversely, some reviews praised the originality of Brothers.
According to Roger Ebert’s website, the film offers “surprising moments of depth beneath the chaos,” highlighting its ability to blend heartfelt scenes with its zany antics.
Box Office Performance
Financially, Brothers had a modest run. Released in select theatres on October 10, 2024, before its streaming debut on Prime Video on October 17, the film’s limited theatrical release meant it didn’t make a significant box office impact.
However, its popularity grew after landing on streaming, with fans appreciating its unique tone.
To understand its trajectory, parallels can be drawn to streaming hits like Knives Out, which similarly thrived in post-theatre life.
Why You Should Watch Brothers
While some may have tuned in last year for the buzz surrounding Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage’s comedic pairing, Brothers continues to hold its charm well into 2025.
Now comfortably streaming on Prime Video, the film’s combination of absurdist humour, sharp writing, and heartfelt family moments has cemented its place as a standout crime comedy.
Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, the film’s quirky take on sibling dynamics and chaotic heist misadventures makes it an evergreen choice.
So, if you missed Brothers when it hit screens in 2024, consider this your chance to catch up on what has quickly become a cult favourite in the comedy genre.
So fire up Prime Video, and let the Munger brothers’ wild ride through crime, comedy, and chaos brighten your night.
It’s the kind of film that might just have you wishing for a sequel—though maybe with fewer orangutans.