More than a few people at this screening found the drawn-out ending totally con-fusing. Maybe the audience is supposed to be part of the con, thinking the end is near when it really isn’t. (And at 109 minutes, if felt like it could’ve ended sooner.)
Intriguing caper films like The Sting, Johnson’s first exposure to this genre, along with House of Games and Matchstick Men, eventually let the audience in on the fun. This one, as ambiguous as much as it is ambitious, doesn’t quite pull it off.
Mile High Five or Dive?
Somewhere in between. It works best as a comedy, an enjoyable romp that at times is irreverent and politically incorrect. “I don’t like to vilify an entire country,” Stephen says, “but Mexico is a terrible place.”
The final escapade needs a more satisfying payoff. But if Johnson decides to explain it all in The Brothers Bloom 2: Double Trouble, we know we’ve been had.
Extras
- Download a podcast of director Rian Johnson’s interview with local film critic Robert Denerstein.
- To see the trailer of the movie that is scheduled for a limited release on December 19 (wide release on January 16), go to the official Web site.
- Read Johnson’s blog about the movie.
- For festival movie listings, go to the DFF Web site.
- See my festival feature here at Blogcritics for more from the festival.
Article comments
1 - jango
whyncha just tell us the whole damn story, you inadequate critic??
2 - carmen
I agree with you. I did find this one con-fusing and somewhat drawn out. I loved Kikuchi's role and her comparison to Harpo is perfect. Keep up the good work.