Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you buy the DVD? Nah.
Score: 4.0/5
Secret ending? Yes! Don’t be fooled by the mid-credits scene, there’s one at the end too.
Running time: 83 minutes (~1.5 hours)
“The Brothers Grimsby” is a British action comedy about the reunion of two long-lost brothers. Hi-jinks ensue when Sebastian, a lethal spy, has to team up with his idiotic brother Nobbin to save the world. It stars Sacha Baron Cohen (Nobby Butcher), Mark Strong (Sebastian Butcher), Isla Fisher (Jodie Figgs), Rebel Wilson (Dawn), Penelope Cruz (Rhonda George), Gabourey Sidibe (Banu), Annabelle Wallis (Marianne Smith), Ian McShane (Head of MI6), Gabriel Chay Palmer (Young Sebastian), Lewis Johnson (Young Nobby), and Scott Adkins (Lukashenko). It is rated R-21.
You know what you’re getting into when you catch a Sacha Baron Cohen comedy — sick humour and unabashed mockery. He rips into famous personalities, including poor Daniel Radcliffe and in a moment of political incorrectness, Donald Trump. But concealed beneath all the visual gags and dirty jokes is actually a heartwarming tale of two brothers, which is an astonishing feat for such a film.
Highlights
Good contrast between both brothers
Sebastian (Mark Strong) and Nobby (Sacha Baron Cohen) are the quintessential odd couple, with Nobby’s moronic antics constantly exasperating the serious Sebastian. But there’s a poignant side to it as well, as the film shows us how deep their brotherly bond goes. The sappy moments get treacle cut though, so it never gets overly sentimental.
Moments of awesome for all protagonists
Despite Nobby’s stupidity, he still proves to be fairly competent when he sets out on a task and gets his own moments to shine (without Sebastian around). In fact, all of the supporting protagonists also have their moment in the limelight with their subsequent heroics. Unlike the usual dumb characters who hinder their friends, they prove to be useful and even capably assist the heroes in the climax, straying from the usual stereotype.
Good action and special effects
Even though action isn’t the focus of the film, the fight scenes are well cheoreographed, showing us the distinctive ways that Sebastian and Nobby do battle. Special effects are inserted at opportune moments to highlight technology and biology, which, when coupled with interesting camera directions, serve to turn mundane events into hilarious scenes. It’s not done often, but when it is, it’s done masterfully.
Quick pace
Very few films would dare to be less than 90 minutes in order to deliver a faster-paced experience, but “The Brothers Grimsby” clocks in at 87 minutes. It’s fast-paced, even during the domestic scenes, and the snappy pace of the film aids greatly in the hilarity. It’s of a perfect length, with nary a slow scene to be found.
Letdowns
Penelope Cruz’s miniscule role
Despite what you might have been lead to believe, Penelope Cruz’s role as Rhonda George is so small that it could almost be a cameo. It’s disappointing to see her being billed as one of the main characters when she does virtually nothing. Her part is to be a plot device rather than to be an actual character.
“The Brothers Grimsby” is an entertaining action comedy that’s not afraid to be short in favour of being quick.
“The Brothers Grimsby” opens in cinemas 10 March, 2016 (Thursday).
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