Review of The Brothers Bloom (2008) by Daniel A — 11 Mar 2010

The Bloom brothers tell a great story, they give people a little adventure in their life. Traveling conmen; creating fantasy for the bored giving a tired life a touch of excitement and keeping the spoils for themselves. In the end everyone gets what they wanted; the mark has a satisfying ending, the quest fulfilled, the brothers reaping the rewards. Except it's not always that simple, the younger brother becomes disillusioned with fiction, he desires something tangible, and they set out on one last great con, the quest for truth, an ending to there own stories.

The Brothers Bloom had me with a smiling from the opening scene, rarely was I not grinning during the proceedings. A hilarious escapade into fiction and storytelling, there last con, one final mark; the eccentric reclusive rich girl who becomes more than the brothers expected, She maybe just what they needed to finally find a conclusion to their story.

Three memorable funny performances from Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, and the always lovely Rachel Weisz set a uniquely unusual tone; all three were perfectly cast, playing off each other nicely. Writer Director Rian Johnson has crafted a remarkably well meaning enjoyably movie. This film has a nice light feel to it, seemingly aware of its own silly delight. Weisz was particularly amusing as the eccentric shut-in, a down to earth yet hilariously peculiarly women, looking for a chance to break out of her shell.

The score was beautiful and seamlessly fit the films charming events. A rollicking upbeat soundtrack, sweet happy little tunes and instrumental pieces fitting with the style of the film flawlessly, it could not be more effective, very memorable warmhearted music. It bounces about, adding to the feeling of quaintness and amusement. The score really caught me, it wasn't an epic moving composition, but a simple charming harmony that remained with me and stuck out during viewing.

There is an indefinable charm surrounding the entire picture, the slight quirkiness of the filming, the perfect meshing of music with setting and character, the onscreen chemistry between Brody and Weize is wonderful, the brilliant casting of Mark Ruffalo as the always swindling older brother; focused on the pursuit of the con, always watchful of his younger brother. It's rare to find cast this genuinely likable, every character exhibited a goodness of character. I fell in love with their sincere personalities.

Even storytellers need a little adventure; no one can live in fiction forever. A few thrills never hurt anyone. I loved The Brothers Bloom for its charming cast that continually made me smile, its amusing events had me in stitches. A poignant ending wraps it all up, touchingly speaking a message of living life to its fullest, each person gets to write their own legend; the important thing is to live like you're telling the best story of all. Life can be grand adventure when you start to shape your own story. The Brothers Bloom is a great unbelievable charming movie; it was so much fun to watch I'm smiling just thinking about it.