Introduction
In the realm of cinematic creations, some films soar to unprecedented heights, while others plummet into the depths of critical disdain. Louis Leterrier’s “The Brothers Grimsby,” released on March 11, 2016, falls into the latter category, receiving a resounding 0-star review from Brian Eggert on March 10, 2016. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this cinematic misstep, dissecting its shortcomings and exploring the reasons behind its critical failure.
A Star-Studded Cast and the Ill-Fated Plot
Directed by Louis Leterrier, the film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Isla Fisher, Rebel Wilson, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, and Annabelle Wallis. Despite the impressive cast, the movie’s plot fails to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Crude Humor Gone Awry
A pivotal moment in the film unfolds in Africa, where the main characters, Nobby and Sebastian, find themselves seeking refuge inside an elephant’s vagina. This bizarre scenario leads to a cringe-inducing and humorously inept scene involving elephant semen. Eggert, the critic, aptly questions the appeal of such crude and tasteless humor.
The film further falters with scenes featuring Nobby engaging in lewd acts, such as sucking on his brother’s fake testicles, and awkwardly crude moments with Rebel Wilson. These instances not only lack comedic finesse but also contribute to the overall discomfort experienced by the audience.
Insensitive Jokes and Lack of Social Satire
Despite attempts to satirize real-world figures like Donald Trump, the film stumbles due to insensitive jokes about AIDS. The attempt at social commentary seen in Baron Cohen’s earlier works, such as “Borat” and “Bruno,” is notably absent. The 83-minute runtime feels unnecessarily prolonged, and the film fails to deliver the biting satire characteristic of Baron Cohen’s comedic repertoire.
Title Discrepancy and Loose Plot Construction
A peculiar point of discussion is the title difference between the UK and the US. While known as “The Brothers Grimsby” in the US, the UK release is simply titled “Grimsby.” This discrepancy adds to the confusion surrounding the film, reflecting a lack of cohesive branding.
The plot, centered around Sebastian’s mission to prevent the assassination of an anti-disease advocate, becomes a mere backdrop for crude jokes. Nobby’s inclusion in the mission serves more as a vehicle for additional tasteless humor than contributing meaningfully to the storyline. The narrative structure, or lack thereof, primarily exists to set the stage for comedic elements, resulting in a loosely constructed and disjointed plot.
Collaborative Writing and Missed Opportunities
“The Brothers Grimsby” was penned by Sacha Baron Cohen, Phil Johnston, and Peter Baynham. Despite their collective talent, the film fails to resonate. The writing shares similarities with other spy genre parodies but lacks the finesse to deliver a compelling narrative. The absence of a cohesive message, aside from a vague notion that lower classes matter, is a stark departure from Baron Cohen’s earlier works, which showcased a keen satirical edge.
Directorial Confusion and Lack of Continuity
Louis Leterrier’s direction, particularly in action sequences, leaves much to be desired. The confusion in these sequences is exacerbated by the involvement of four editors, who fail to salvage the film’s continuity or shot logic. The absence of a clear and compelling message, coupled with lackluster action scenes, contributes to the film’s overall lack of coherence.
Conclusion: A Subversive Comedy Lost in Shock Value
In conclusion, “The Brothers Grimsby” represents a departure from Sacha Baron Cohen’s subversive comedy roots, leaning heavily into shock value rather than satirical brilliance. The film’s misguided attempts at humor, insensitive jokes, and disjointed plot contribute to its critical downfall. Louis Leterrier’s direction, while having proven successful in other genres, fails to elevate the film beyond its inherent flaws.