New action-comedy film from Prime Video tops charts, but fails to impress viewers
Amazon Prime Video’s latest movie, "Brothers," is a comedic crime caper that hit the streaming service after a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on October 10, followed by a global launch on Prime Video on October 17. The film quickly rose to the top spot on the Prime Video Top 10 movies list soon after its release. Directed by Max Barbakow, known for the popular Prime Video sci-fi rom-com "Palm Springs," "Brothers" follows the story of two low-rent criminals embarking on a wild adventure.
The movie centers around Moke (Josh Brolin), a reformed criminal living an honest life with his wife, Abby (Taylour Paige), and his twin brother Jady (Peter Dinklage), a troublemaker fresh out of prison. Jady convinces Moke to join him on a cross-country road trip in pursuit of a final big score, leading to a series of chaotic events that test their bond and resolve.
In addition to Brolin and Dinklage, the star-studded cast includes Glenn Close, Jennifer Landon, Brendan Fraser, and the late M. Emmet Walsh in his final on-screen appearance. Despite the impressive lineup, critical reception for "Brothers" has been mixed. While some critics have praised the performances, others have criticized the film for lacking originality and failing to deliver on its comedic potential.
Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and the Popcornmeter reflect this divide, with the movie receiving a modest 41% critics’ rating and a 48% audience score. Critics like Peter Debruge from Variety and Justin Lowe from The Hollywood Reporter expressed disappointment in the film’s execution and humor, highlighting its shortcomings compared to similar genre offerings.
However, not all reviews have been negative. Matt Zoller Seitz from RogerEbert.com offered a more positive take, acknowledging the film’s strengths in performances and overall entertainment value. Despite the mixed reviews, "Brothers" may still appeal to viewers seeking a light-hearted, action-packed comedy with a talented ensemble cast.
For those considering streaming "Brothers" on Prime Video, it may be worth exploring other options based on the lukewarm critical reception. The film’s divisive nature suggests that individual preferences will play a significant role in determining its appeal. As an alternative, viewers can explore the diverse selection of movies available on Prime Video to find the perfect fit for their next movie night.
