As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the sublime to the ridiculous. But Brothers, oh Brothers, you have left me utterly bewildered and slightly traumatized!
The film titled “Brothers“, rapidly climbing to the top spot on Amazon Prime Video, doesn’t hide its resemblance to previous buddy comedies. Directed by Max Barbakow, known for his work in “Palm Springs“, and with a story by Ethan Cohen, it focuses on a duo of twins who hail from a lineage of criminals, as they team up for a reunion heist. The film “Brothers” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, frequently mentioning “Academy Award nominees” or “winners” in its trailer, with notable supporting actors including Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, and Marisa Tomei.
Apart from its talented creative crew and actors, what made Brothers stand out was its resemblance to popular movies, especially the 1988 film Twins, as the creators explicitly mentioned. However, there’s another movie that seems to have influenced Brothers subtly. The physical comedy in the film appears to be drawn from Clint Eastwood‘s 1978 movie, Every Which Way But Loose. This influence is particularly evident in one scene that has caused quite a stir among viewers.
Every Which Way But Loose Was Clint Eastwood’s Most Unexpected Hit
In the year 1978, “Every Which Way But Loose” ranked as the fourth most profitable movie, trailing behind films like “Grease,” “Superman,” and “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” In an unexpected turn of events, Clint Eastwood took on a comedic role in this film, portraying Philo Beddoe, a trucker and fighter. This character embarks on a journey to locate a missing love interest. Interestingly, his loyal companion during this journey is an orangutan named Clyde. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie was a massive success at the box office. It continues to be the third highest-grossing film in Eastwood’s career, and its success paved the way for the even more financially successful sequel, “Any Which Way You Can.
For quite some time, whispers about a potential film have circulated, but so far, no concrete results have been seen. Nevertheless, “Every Which Way But Loose” left an indelible impression on cinema history, most notably in the realm of the orangutan character’s symbolism. The orangutan named Clyde is prominently featured on the movie’s iconic poster and serves as the primary source of humor, finding himself in various humorous predicaments, such as smoking cigarettes and confronting gangs and law enforcement.
Brothers Puts a Dark Twist on the Animal Sidekick Trope
In Brothers, there’s a scene with an orangutan, which is notable when considering connections to Eastwood’s sleeper hit. It’s easy to think of Every Which Way But Loose when you see the funny orangutan sequence in Brothers. However, Brothers has a darker sense of humor compared to earlier and inspiring comedy films, particularly in the events surrounding this orangutan scene.
In the journey of the characters named Moke (Brolin) and Jady (Dinklage), they halt at the residence of a woman called Bethesda (Tomei), whom Jady had corresponded with during her imprisonment. Moke consents to provide them some personal space. During this private moment, Moke is taken aback by the presence of Bethesda’s orangutan pet, Samuel. Initially, Moke maintains his composure and they spend a relatively ordinary time together.
The situation continues until Samuel takes hold of Moke’s hand and starts using it in an inappropriate manner. This frightens Moke so much that he flees the house screeching, with Jady hot on his heels. Later in the movie, when the crooked police officer (Fraser) who has been pursuing Moke and Jady arrives at Bethesda’s house seeking the twins, he encounters Samuel. It appears that Fraser suffers a similar unfortunate end, as we see him fleeing the house, crying.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the creators of this film took a fresh approach to the classic animal sidekick role, flipping it in a way that’s both unexpected and dark. The Samuel scene, in particular, is quite shocking, pushing the boundaries of what we usually see in comedies. The rest of the movie leans more on traditional slapstick and family dynamics for its humor. However, it’s the orangutan sequences that really stand out, offering a stark contrast to the rest of the film. Given the numerous nods and tributes this movie makes to comedy films from yesteryears, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to draw parallels with “Every Which Way But Loose,” a film renowned for its comedic ape sidekick. To avoid repeating an outdated trope, they decided to give it a harsh twist, referencing the classic while maintaining a modern edge.
Audiences Are NOT Going Bananas
Unlike “Every Which Way But Loose,” which was criticized by experts but adored by viewers and still remembered fondly, the movie that it inspired, Brothers, has not received the same level of appreciation. With its bold and risqué approach to the animal comedy genre, it appears that Brothers may have stumbled in attempting to pay tribute to a somewhat cherished predecessor.
If you’re considering watching this film because it’s currently number one on Prime Video, be aware that despite the star power behind it, the storyline and dialogue may seem familiar or repetitive to some viewers. While there are certainly standout moments, such as the Samuel scene, these may not be enough to sustain its top position for long. Stream at your own discretion on Prime Video.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-26 05:01