When you’re watching a movie about con men, you need to stay on your toes the entire time. Are the Brothers Bloom conning just their mark or are they conning you too?
I love a movie that will leave me duped. There are so many films and television shows where, with a close eye, you can figure out what’s going to happen an hour from now. So when you’re legitimately unsure about where something is going – or you continuously second guess yourself – it’s a lot of fun.
The Bloom Brothers is about two brothers, Stephen and Bloom (yes, Bloom Bloom), who grow up in foster care, learning that they can only depend on each other. They also quickly learn that they make an excellent team at harassing and later conning everyone around them. This leads to a life of swindling people and, while this is Stephen’s dream, Bloom is over it. He wants out and to lead a normal life away from his brother. When Stephen proposes one last con – on a quirky heiress with seemingly more money than she knows what to do with – Bloom agrees.
I got such a kick from this movie and it had me ready for anything much of the time. During most moments where my brain would subtly say, “Oh, she’s going to be mad” or “That’s not going to work,” the complete opposite would happen. I loved it.
The movie is full of smart dialogue and sharp visuals, with transitions that feel like you’re watching someone click a black movie clapperboard to start each next phase. And the random sleight-of-hand with characters, story, and visuals create something unique. There are a few small lulls, but they’re easy to shake off as the entertainment continues.
Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody are great as the brothers Bloom, but it’s really Rachel Weisz’s heiress who steals the movie. Playing an eccentric millionaire – with a fantastic montage of all of her random hobbies – she has a quirky charm and is a lovable oddity. Her reactions and visual thought processes are priceless and you ultimately really like her.
There are so many moments where the movie moves to swindle you as the audience and it’s incredibly effective. But without giving any of the fun away, you’re even uncertain during what period this is set.
I’m not sure why this movie isn’t quoted more often (I suspect it’s existed on the down-low), but off-center lines like, “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells, the less you know” and “Only movie thugs and Russians deal in suitcases of cash” make you rethink every film and random photograph you’ve seen.
Complete with a hysterical kissing scene, a throwaway mention of Fagin (of Oliver! fame), and a lot of laughs, I thought The Brothers Bloom was a terrific watch. Just remember, don’t trust yourself or them.
Runtime: 113 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG-13
Languages Spoken In The Film: English and French with English subtitles
Should You Watch It? Yes, it’s a fun ride
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: Free on Pluto, Tubi, and Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
I love a movie that will leave me duped. There are so many films and television shows where, with a close eye, you can figure out what’s going to happen an hour from now. So when you’re legitimately unsure about where something is going – or you continuously second guess yourself – it’s a lot of fun.
