The Brothers Bloom

I think I can be forgiven for thinking writer/director Rian Johnson might have read Michael Chabon's THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY as he was flushing out THE BROTHERS BLOOM as there are many similarities between the two. This isn't a bad thing but I found it rather distracting. Still, from the opening shot with a one legged cat shuffling along on some wheeled contraption you pretty much no what you are in for. The principal cast are more than effective in conveying the manic nature of this tale concerning the title mentioned con artist brothers played to perfection by Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo. Joined by Rachel Weisz they embark on a series of maladjusted happenings destined to entertain the most jaded viewer. While smart, sexy and downright explosive sadly THE BROTHERS BLOOM never manages to elevate itself above average. Rinko Kikuchi is fabulous as Bang Bang, a character bound to become a cult favorite in years to come, and both Robbie Coltrane and Maximilian Schell have great bit parts but overall this viewer was left wanting more at films end. Certainly worth taking a chance on.