class=”alignleft size-full wp-image-46399″ title=”brothers bloom blu-ray” src=”https://www.heyuguys.com/images/2010/09/brothers-bloom-blu-ray.jpg” alt=”” width=”218″ height=”218″ />In following up his outstanding debut Brick, Rian Johnson has crafted a playful and engaging comedy blessed with great lead performances, Johnson’s sharp direction and a tight script which leads you around the world in the company of the two of the greatest con artists who ever lived.
The titular siblings plot and scheme, and we learn through a wonderful flashback sequence which begins the film how they came to their chosen profession. Back to the present and with their paths diverging The Brothers Bloom craft one final job and set their sights on the eccentric and charming character of Penelope, who may or may not be one pulling the strings.
There’s so much to enjoy here. It’s a funny, inventive and thoroughly entertaining film, with great work from Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody as Steven and Bloom, with Rachel Weisz never better as Penelope. It’s a film full of fun, and though there’s a standoff at one point towards the end when the rug has been pulled one too many times from under your feet, Johnson’s knack of filling the screen with wit and invention is put to excellent use here.
Craig and I saw this together just before its limited cinema release, and you can read his thoughts here, suffice to say we were agreement that it was a fine film, and a worthy second film from Rian Johnson. It’s a real shame that this film didn’t get a wider release, as everything from the captivating cinematography to the entirely suitable and utterly offbeat score make this a cracking film, and the Blu-ray looks beautiful.
The special features on the Blu-ray include a set video which follows the production around the world, and is a great addition if you’re a fan of Johnson’s work. There’s also a slightly uninspired interview with Johnson, who does his best to gee up the interviewer and fans of Johnson will know his wit and enthusiasm for his work and it is given a small chance to shine through here. He also talks us through some deleted scenes which won’t rock your world but are of note to see what he decided to trim from the final film and why.
In short, I loved the film, a real shame it didn’t get a wider release (and that the UK have had to wait for so long for it to become available on Blu-ray and DVD), but I can’t recommend it enough.
The Brothers Bloom will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on the 4th of October.
